I decided I would share what helps me get through each day in hopes that it may help someone else.

 I have a wonderful husband, Wayne. It is a 2nd marriage for us both. We have been married for 11 years now. He gave me his kidney on October 14, 2004. On October 15, 2005, I had a surprise 50th birthday party for him and a Happy 1st year of the kidney transplant. I am 48. Wayne works for Sylvania Township Road Dept. as the Road Foreman and will retire in 5 years.

 The 1st Christmas after Nick's death, my stepdaughter, Courtney gave me a beautiful card. In it, she told me that she would be honored to call me Mom. I have tried to express how much that means to me, but I am still not sure she totally understands. Now, when I talk about her, she is "My Daughter" and I am "Her Mom" and I love it.

We now have 2 grandchildren that are 2 weeks apart. Ariel and Dominic. They truly light up my life. When they were first born, I would find myself thinking more and more about Nick and when he was a baby and when he did the things they were doing. The other day we brought out a wooden rocking horse that Nick and Justin had played on numerous times. I cried at first when I saw Ariel & Dominic riding it.

 I also find comfort in being able to go to Nick's site and work on it, light candles and read messages. I always feel a little better when I am doing something for Nick, even though it is therapy for me. We made him a beautiful memory garden and had it done before the 1st anniversary of his death. For the past two years, on the anniversary of his death, the family gathers in Nick's Garden and we reminisce and spend time together.

I am disability retired from the State of Ohio. I worked in accounting for Mentally Retarded residents  with developmental disabilities. I worked there for 10 years before health issues forced me to retire. Prior to working there, I worked at another facility with Mentally Retarded. It just seemed to be my calling.

At present, my son, Justin and my stepson, Nic, are both struggling with outside forces that they have allowed into their lives. I pray constantly for them and try hard to think positive. My day usually involves 1 - 3 appts. either with Physical Therapy or a Doctor. To help or assist someone else also helps me get through the day.

 I have found such tremendous comfort and support from the Angel Families. I'm not really sure where I would be without them. They have all been wonderful. I hope this helps for you to know a little more about my family and I.

 Love,

Sherry