Still here.

OK.  I made it.  I have weathered the storm of the first year sadiversary but it ended up being a celebration of Joe.  His band of brothers (not family) held a prayer service and remembrance for him last night after which we shared a wonderful potluck dinner.  One of my sons remarked that he thought it would be more appropriate to celebrate his birth rather than his death.  I responded to him, "this is the day of his birth".  It was a celebration of the day of his new life.  I don't see it as him having left us so much as us having been left behind.  He has made the journey, run the race and completed it.  We who are still here, have not.  That's all the thoughts I have to share.  I continue to marvel how blessed I am.  I miss Joe terribly but am comfortable in knowing that he is just fine.