Dear Tyler,

Hi my sweet son! How are you doing on this Thursday afternoon? Mom has had a pretty relaxed day today really doing nothing. I spoke to Auntie Kristina on the phone for about 2 hours. It was nice to catch up with her as we haven't had the chance to in a couple weeks. She was telling me that she called on you a couple times this week & you were there for her. Hearing that story made me smile & tear up all at the same time. I just kept saying...." that's my boy.....he is amazing! " Mom means it too. You were always amazing. You just didn't see it or know it but I hope you feel it now. 
 Mom is sorry but I do not have any updates for you as I didn't speak to anyone other than Auntie Kristina. I know that Aunt Beck is traveling tomorrow from South America to her home. I know you will be with her as she is traveling & we all thank you for that. I will touch base with everyone over the weekend & I will be seeing them in a few days. Mark had 2 long days working & taking a class at his office while Mom was home with the pups as I studied. The weather today was so beautiful. The sun was shining & the temp was 67 degrees. I really wanted to enjoy going outside & taking the pups for a long walk but I couldn't as they were so many people outside & all they were doing was barking so I decided that we will go for a walk when Mark gets home. We all need to enjoy the nice sun & everything outside is calmer. We shall see how it goes....lol.
 Here are the daily prayers for you today: February 22 ~ I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. I keep the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. My Lord, I think of the various " counselors " I've had in my life. It's a mixed bag. Parents, friends, ministers, teachers, coaches, camp counselors & guidance counselors in school. Some of them brought true wisdom & I believe you used them to guide me in your path. Others had different motives. Some were fully invested, caring deeply about me. Others were more interested in hearing themselves talk & they didn't hang around long enough to see the results. But you, Lord, are a counselor who cares, stays close to me & know me deeply. Keep counseling me day & night & I'll keep listening for your voice. His Holy Spirit speaks to us deep in our hearts & tells us that we are God's children. Amen.
 February 23~ I lift my eyes to the hills---from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven & earth. All my life, Lord, I've been lifting up my eyes in various directions, hoping to find the help I need. And I'm not the only one. A career path, a financial plan, popularity, home & family. I know they're not bad things but we tend to put them up on a pedestal & expect them to save us. How many were counting on saving accounts & retirement plans when the economy went South? That's a hard lesson to learn. And when those idols crumble, many of us turn to various escapes----alcohol, drugs & so on. You know the escapes I've tried but I keep coming back to you. Where does my help come from? From the loving Lord who made me. I put my trust in you. In the psalmist's time, " the hills " were where idol-worshippers had their sacred groves. Help comes, not from the hills but from the One who made the hills. Amen. 
 Mom is all caught up once again. The sun is setting as I am typing this to you. The skies are still bright & blue so I am hoping that I will get the chance to see the stars & moon shining bright. Mom will whisper to you as I always do so be listening out for my voice. Smile when you hear Mom & I will smile right back. I hope that your evening is all that you want & need it to be. May you have fun tonight while I sleep. Please come visit Mom in my dreams tonight & be with me. I need you, I always need you by my side. Thank you my sweet precious son. I miss you so much & I love you to the moon & back & all the way around the world. To infinity & beyond. You live forever in my heart, mind, body & soul. You are my hero & the wind beneath my wings. Never stop knowing & feeling that, please! 
 Mom has to get going for now as it is that time again where I need to feed the pups & get dinner going for Mark & I. He actually just walked through the door so that is Mom's cue to get things going. I will be back tomorrow to write to you again. Until then....Good night & sweet dreams, Tyler. Big hugs & catch all the kisses I blow to you. Love you so much.
 Always, Mommy xoxoxo. Muah!