Dear Tyler,

Hi my sweet son! How are you doing on this Thursday evening? Mom is plum tired for sure. Mark did not get back to the hotel until 1:30 am this morning. That made a 18 1/2 hour day for him. All that work & the cut over failed for the 2nd time. Guess what that means.... in 3-4 weeks we will be back here again so that he can go there for the 4th time to try again. Mark is exhausted & so is Mom. I think we both got about 4 hours of sleep. Not good. Mark did nap throughout the day while Mom was studying. I did 2 more powerpoints & now I will be ready for my exam come tomorrow when we get home. I was excited to see that I have 2 more chapters & then it is my final exam and Mom will be done with this class & I can put this one all behind me! I know you have been with me every step of the way & I needed you.... I always need you my sweet precious son. 
 Today Mark's friend, Dave stopped by to visit with us. It is always nice to see him. He always makes Mom laugh like crazy. Like you.... he has the best stories. He stayed for about 4 hours before he had to go home & take care of his pup. Meme & Bob stopped by once again for about an hour to have dinner with us & to see us before we head home in the morning. Mom & Mark are leaving early in hopes that we beat all the rush over traffic & holiday traffic. We have Mark's other friend, Rick coming to visit on Saturday & Sunday this weekend. He is a nice guy. You would have liked him as he would have loved you. Mom spoke to Auntie Donna today. She was having kind of a bad day so we chatted for about 30 minutes or so. I didn't get to see her this time but I will when we come back up in 3 weeks. Mom didn't speak to anyone else today though. I assume that everyone is well. I am sure to have more updates for you this weekend. Here is a daily prayer for the day: Lord, Things aren't exactly as I'd like them to be this moment. Even so, I know I'm right where I need to be~ in the center of your heart as I put all my trust in you. Please give me an extra drop of your sunshine this day. I love you! Amen.
 Here is another one: Today walk with your head up & your shoulders back in the confidence that only God can give you. You are amazing! Amen.
 Here is the Inspirational quote for the day: I'm a true believer that everything happens for a reason though you may not always understand why. I believe the most valuable lesson behind it is to make you stronger.... Live in the moment, because that's all there is.....hang on to the good & let the rest go.
 The night sky is upon us now & it is very dark & rainy. Mom will not be seeing anything in the sky tonight shining bright. I will whisper to you as I always do later this evening. Mom hopes that your night will be all that you want & need it to be. Have fun while I sleep & come visit me in my dreams. Help me get some sleep tonight, please. Thank you. Smile when you hear my voice & I will smile back just for you. I miss you so much & I love you to the moon & back & all the way around the world. To infinity & beyond. You are my hero & the wind beneath my wings. You forever live inside my heart, mind, body & soul. You always will. You are my everything, Tyler Andrew Howard. Mom will be back tomorrow night with another letter so until then good night & sweet dreams.
 Always, Mommy xoxoxo. Muah!