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#100DayProject: Quitting

“When we least expect it, life sets us a challenge to test our courage and willingness to change; at such a moment, there is no point in pretending that nothing has happened or in saying that we are not yet ready.”—Paulo Coelho

I’m quitting the #100DayProject.

It hurt to type that sentence. I don’t like quitting. When backed into a corner I usually double down on my efforts to prove all the shit my internal critic says about me is untrue. In fact, my plan for the week was to work my ass off catching up on everything.

But something happened.

I was reading a book in the early morning hours when I heard a terribly loud sound—a lot like a gunshot. It sounded like it came from upstairs where both my teenagers were sleeping.

My body went into complete panic mode.

“No, no, no…” I chanted as I ran up the stairs.

I threw open both their doors screaming, “Are you okay?”

They were fine.

I woke them up.

I scared them.

But they were fine.

After apologizing and reassuring myself nothing bad had happened, I went into the backyard and fell onto the ground sobbing. Hard. Harder than I have in years.

I started replaying the worst moments. The phone call. A woman found my son laying on the side of the road and called me from his cell phone to tell me he’d had a skateboard accident. The cop at our front door. He told us our son was hit by a car. He was holding his shoes. Yelling at my daughter for wearing a sweater in summer. I pulled up her sleeves to see her arms covered in cuts. The look on her face when she told me she didn’t want to be here anymore.

You are a bad mother.

You have made too many terrible mistakes.

It’s all your fault.

My body wouldn’t stop shaking. I could barely breathe.

I called my mom and told her what happened. I needed to say all my fears out loud. I needed to acknowledge the elephant sitting on my chest. I don’t want my kids to die. I feel like a failure. I don’t understand why this is our story. I’ve tried to be the best mom I could be.

I’m supposed to be watching the fruits of all my hard work pay off—proms, graduation, getting their driver’s license, first dates. Instead, it feels like one tragedy or obstacle after the next. Mountain after mountain. It’s all so horribly unfair.

She cried with me and said I’m the strongest person she knows. I didn’t want to listen, but I did. Eventually, I calmed down, but I was left knowing I had to face what I didn’t want to.

I’ve been living in a constant state of stress for many years. Too many. It’s been boiling under my skin like lava—hot, churning, angry.

A few weeks ago, facing the move of my mother out of state, the lava erupted in the form of a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad rash. The doc gave me meds, but they didn’t work. It got worse. Much worse. I went on the trip anyway.

I tried to ignore it. It’s just a rash. I’m strong. I got this. My mother needs me. My daughter needs me. There’s simply no time for my nonsense.

But the rash got angrier and angrier.

I wanted to ignore it forever, but then the loud sound came. 

Maybe it was an internal gunshot or a car backfiring on the road behind our house (the road my son had his accidents). Whatever it was, it forced me to stop lying to myself. I’m not okay and I need to take better care of myself. 

Something has to change.

I got busy doing research and made the decision to cut out sugar, caffeine, and carbs—all things this rash needs to thrive (and I use to cope). I got different meds. I rode through the waves of migraines while sipping bone broth and taking naps. I oscillated between feeling like I’m doing the right thing and feeling selfish.

I didn’t feel strong.

I finally took the anxiety pills I’d been scared to take. I’m talking more openly with my family about my stress level. I’m not cooking for my family right now. I’m still taking naps.

It feels a bit like I’m doing nothing, but that’s not true. It’s important. I need to feel better.

I’m healing my skin, my gut, and my heart. I’ve got so many wonderful things to look forward to and I need to be my healthiest to enjoy them all. My teenagers may not look like the typical ones, but they are remarkable human beings. Extraordinary. They are the light of my life. They need me to stop simmering in the lava.

The reason I started this #100DayProject was to tackle my perfectionism and to think more abstractly. The guidelines I set for myself were:

  • be messy and imprecise
  • have fun with the process
  • don’t overthink
  • don’t plan
  • don’t judge the finished painting
  • be brave

Quitting fulfills these objectives quite nicely. It’s brave and messy. It’s not perfect. I can’t really plan what the future holds for me, but I’m taking the right steps to get healthy.

I’m proud of myself.

NOTE: I’m not quitting my blog, but I am taking some time to heal. I may be a bit less active for a few weeks as I start to feel better. Please don’t go anywhere. I appreciate you all so much.

124 thoughts on “#100DayProject: Quitting”

  2. Good grief. You are one extremely strong woman. You’ve dealt with a lot during an already hard time in your life.

    It’s hard to know where life may take us and how we can cope with it.

    It’s a good thing you’re taking a break.

    I hope your break does you well.

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    • Thank you for such kind words. Yes, we don’t know what the road ahead looks like. We should plan, of course, but with the knowledge that we might have to change and adapt should our lives change. I’m resting a ton and eating all the good healthy foods. Might take a walk today and I’m going to the ocean this weekend to further heal. It will do me a lot of good to face all this stress and find ways to get it under control.

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  3. How this writing moves me and makes me feel your strength and courage in all the right ways. May the words flow as they are meant to and may the healing be as strong as your final line: “I am proud of myself.” ❤

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  5. I wish you would have messaged me. I am so sad you had to fall apart to figure out you can’t keep going on fumes. I am glad you are taking care of yourself, and hopefully not carrying everything on your own.

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    • Thank you, Nicole, for saying I could message you. I might do that next time. It’s crazy how much we can lie to ourselves and just keep going through the motions. Our bodies though, hold the truth of what’s going on. I’m glad the wake-up call was a terrible rash and not a heart attack or stroke. I know if I don’t find ways to deal with this anxiety it will only manifest itself in other ways. Time to really dive into the healing I’ve been avoiding.

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  6. Admitting you’ve reached breaking point isn’t a sign of weakness or that you’re a failing parent. You’ve had to deal with so many different anxieties jostling for space, it’s very brave to admit you need time out to refocus and recover. 🛠️ It’d be far more damaging to disregard those worries & act like everything’s sunny when it isn’t. 🌻 Take all the extra time you need away. We’ll keep a fireside seat warm for your return ❤

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    • Your comment made me feel all the warm feelings. Thank you, Tom. Your support is something I never expected to find when I started blogging. It’s incredible how much I care for all my readers and friends here on WordPress. You are a big part of my life.

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    • You can! I do think a lot of my healing will come in the form of poetry and perhaps a few short stories. It will be a big part of my process moving forward. I need to allow the pain to transform itself into words.

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  11. Oh goodness, you are moving through some difficult situations and emotions. Being a teenager is hard, being a mom is hard… life is hard! You are a strong woman, and your strength and abundant love will carry you through these challenges. Remember to breathe and give yourself grace. 🌻 I wish I could give you a big hug.

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    • I feel that big hug, Michele. Thank you. Yes, it’s all so hard. I know that I’ll come through this. I’ve done hard things before. I need to face these fears and find a way to stop living in flight mode. My body can’t take it anymore. I’m taking a deep breath right now. It’s time to get curious about how to make my way through all this. Thank you.

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      • I am so glad that you do, Bridgette, and you are most welcome. Of course, you will move through these challenges and it’s ok to not power your way through it or feel like you need to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. 💗 That is too much for anyone. Wishing you peace and the change you seek. 🌻

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  13. You are just making a sensible decision in your path, not quitting, Bridgette. Self care is so important. I take anti-anxiety medication because I need it. Sending you a virtual hug. I am not a mom but you sound like a great one! 💟

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    • Thank you for such a kind comment and the hug. Yes. It’s funny because I’m such an advocate for mental health. Lots of people in my family deal with various struggles and I’ve been a big support for them all. I guess I thought I could muscle my way through (silly, right?) I’m taking the anxiety meds now, eating better, resting, and talking more to my kids about what I need to feel better. I’m taking my own advice.

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      • You are most welcome, Bridgette. Just last week, I was wondering for the umpteenth time about coming off my much needed medication. I wonder if people with diabetes consider the same thought with insulin or is it the stigma? I worked in community mental health for years and still don’t follow my own advice, at times… 😊🤗

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      • What a good point. I think it’s really the stigma and complexity of mental health. We are raised to believe we can just be tough, but that’s not the truth. Some people’s brains are wired differently (my daughter) and she literally can’t muscle her way through anything. It’s not possible. What I’m discovering right now is that the trauma our family has experienced has changed my chemistry. I need to recognize that if I ever hope to move through this place of fear and back to a home of peacefulness.

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  14. You are amazing, resilient, intelligent, loving and wise. Quitting or engaging are both acts of self-empowerment, acts of free will, creating, deciding, choosing for ourselves who and how we wish to be. This is strength, not weakness, no matter what others say or see. Bravo!! 👏🙏🤗💖💕✨

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    • What a wonderful way to look at it! Thank you for such a kind comment. I appreciate it so much. Yes, you are right. Knowing when to step away is part of self-empowerment. I get so stuck in decisions I’ve made and often see things through just to prove that I can. It’s silly and I’m hoping to start breaking that terrible pattern.

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  15. Oh my Dear, Sweet, Friend. ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹 You ARE the strongest, bravest very best mom I know AND you are an inspiration to more people than you will ever know. Do what you need to do to take the very best care of yourself and those you love. Those who love you are counting on it and counting on you to be here for us, whole and healthy and happy. As the Preacher said to his dog, “HEAL”.
    (Just wondering, if you are not eating carb,sugar, or caffeine what foods are left?? Asking for a friend who also need to get a little healthier. 🙂)
    xoxo

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    • Thank you so much, Penny. I love you so much. Your kindness has got me through so many struggles in my life. Yes, it’s time to heal. It’s time to take a little bit of the love I spread around and give it to myself. I’m at a point where my body literally is making me face the facts—I have to face my anxiety and heal. As for what to eat?? That’s a great question. The first few days I did a cleanse and drank only bone broth. I’ve done it before and found it works for me (it’s awful, but it helps reset my gut, and it fights off the sugar addiction). Now, I’m mostly eating chicken breasts, quinoa, eggs, seed crackers, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, avocadoes, artichokes, coconut, celery, berries, and nuts. I did drink some decaf coffee this weekend because the coffee ritual is something that brings me great joy and relaxation. I just put coconut milk in it and I didn’t have any adverse reactions (yay!) I know you’ve been on your own healing journey. We need to get back to writing together soon.

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    • Great advice. I’m working on remembering all the ways I’ve healed myself in the past—slowing down, meditating, reading, eating healthy, moving more, and being outside for at least an hour a day. I’ll get there.

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  20. This is honest and so you, Bridgette. You are brave and strong and someone I have looked up to forever. Take time. Rest. Get better. Your kids are amazing people and you are an amazing mother.

    I’ll be here when you’re ready to get writing again. This isn’t the end of your story ❤️

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    • Thank you! You know I love you and I’m your biggest fan, right?

      Writing will probably be a big part of my healing. I’ve been thinking about how I can transform these heavy feelings of anxiety into some story ideas. I’ll probably write a bunch of poetry in the next few weeks as I try and figure out what that looks like. Fear versus love. I was the most relaxed mom when my kids were little, but now I’m always living in fear. I keep waiting for the next bad thing to happen.

      I know you’ve been through a lot. I really hope Lola finds a partner as you did with Bonnie. The world for her is so scary right now and your love story really encourages her and me. Thanks for being my writing partner and friend.

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  21. I dont usually read your email but I did today! Wow, you have been thru a lot and have come out of your troubles stronger than before! You can do this! I pray your rest will help you heal.

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  22. (I used to be shy. But I never liked that choice.)
    I feel distance. Miles, physical. What regard possible?

    Then again, people can stand side to side and not touch, not understand. Not receive. Not give.

    Intimacy is not a function of distance. It is a function of heart.

    I am honored by how you share yourself with us. Me included. I like to take you personally.

    The choice in life is fear or love. Choose love. So much as able and willing. Understand love includes fear. Not the other way around.

    Love is a good companion. Be devoted.

    As I, as we, attend to you. We are here for you.

    Be what it is you want to receive.

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    • “Intimacy is not a function of distance. It is a function of heart.”—What a beautiful statement and so true. I’m so blessed to have found you here!

      You are so right. The choice is fear or love. I’m stuck replaying the moments when fear took over. I feel it course through my body and it hurts. Sometimes it feels as if it’s happening to me all over again and I have to check on my kids to be sure they are still breathing.

      I was such a calm, peaceful mother when they were little. We would sit in the forest by our house for hours and I didn’t worry. My kids climbed trees and got stung by bees. They fell down and even got stitches and one broken bone. All of those things felt okay, but what has happened the last few years does not. It feels too big and it has activated some primal fear that isn’t easily going away. I’ve been living in flight mode and it’s exhausting.

      I think I’m going to have to write my way out of this. More poetry. More short stories. Perhaps if I download my fears into my writing enough I’ll be able to find a way back to the place where I fully lead with love and my heart. I want to find the mom who sat in the forest with love and trust in her heart. I used to simply *know* they would be okay. I want to get back there so much.

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      • I’d like to share a story of my own with you Bridgette. Many years back, a dire unhappy me made a prayer – what should I do? (Thinking maybe something mundane like a different job, or…) Next day clear as could be – one word came in answer to me – write. Just that. No write & publish, no write & make money, no nothing else. Write. Skies didn’t part, no booming voice of god from overhead. Just that word. I took it on faith. I still do. (maybe it is the most faithful expression of my life, ever) Not meaning “grand”, more like a father might say, son please go mow the lawn. I am happy to do as asked.

        Thought for a long time (not necessary, but I did) why? Why that? Do I have something of merit to say? I don’t know. But then it came to me. The heart of the response was for me to “express” myself, to move outside my smaller self. I understand. I trust that expression works in and of itself. We are responsible for ourselves. We get to receive what we receive (with gratitude I think) be it something we judge good or judge bad. The “right” process is to welcome anything/everything, and then we are able to say, thanks for visiting and now you may move along. Holding onto things, anything, well it just backs up inside us, and that hurts. I work to keep that in mind and heart. Sometimes I fall away, but I know a better home is available and it is just my choice, rain and shine. (see, I talk a lot, huh) Another man long ago coined this phrase – I know that you know I love you, but what I want you to know is that I know you love me. You have a place in this universe and no-matter-what it is alright. I am your friend.

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      • Wow. Thank you, Neil. Your words have helped me so much today. I know my calling is to write. I’ve felt it most of my life but there was always something/someone else needing my attention. I’m a giver, but I’m afraid I’m not very good at giving to myself. Part of this healing process has to include really believing in my dreams. I’m a so grateful for your loving friendship. Thank you!

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  23. I am so sad to read this, my heart goes out to you. A women’s years in the sandwich era when you need to take care of parents and children at the same time are life’s most difficult. You are doing the right thing by choosing to take the steps needed to heal. I hope you feel better day by day.

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    • Thank you for this kindness and for understanding. Yes, it’s not an easy time in my life. I know that I need to take some time to process all that’s happened and to start leaning on those that love me more. No more tough guy act.

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  25. “Whatever it was, it forced me to stop lying to myself. I’m not okay and I need to take better care of myself. Something has to change.”
    Good on you Bridgette. I am working on this too, deeming the time and resources needed to live in good health necessary amongst all the other demands.

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    • It really is necessary, Ali. I think often of the times when all our kids were little. We would spend the day eating healthy and simply watching them discover the world and themselves. The simplicity of that feeling is what I miss the most. It all feels so much more complicated now. It feels bigger. I’m realizing that, as a result of some of the trauma we’ve experienced as a family, we all have a great deal of fear living with us. I’m going to work on healing that in myself so I can spread it to them. Living in fear is no way to live.

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  29. It is true that often the stress level of a mother is horrible. So many responsibilities come from so many different directions. A child’s failure is considered a mother’s failure too. This is why you want to be nice to yourself and take care of yourself…

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    • I love how angry you got on my behalf! That made me smile. Thank you, Roy. Yes, you are so right. F*** projects and challenges. I need to heal and get back the spark that makes me who I am. I’m no good to anyone running away from my fear. Time to turn and face that snarling beasty.

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  31. I said “failure” in jest since the world is crazy to pitch one child against another and call one out as failure. I mean even a little small accident of a child can be blown out of proportion. And that’s why there are so many worries, but you are strong and you will prevail.

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    • I totally understood what you meant. Yes, it’s interesting how society judges success. I find myself comparing too often and I’m working on that too. What might be the right path for some isn’t the right for others. I’m learning to shut out what others think and do what’s best for me and my family.

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  32. No worries Bridgette. It’s sad how we may get afraid to tell others, especially those we love when we aren’t feeling well. it’s ok to not be ok. I hope things continue to improve for you. Thank you for always reading my post and leaving comments. I appreciate that more then you’ll ever know 🙂

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    • Thank you for such a kind comment. It is sad how many don’t want to admit they are struggling. I think, for me, it’s because I’m so used to being the solid one in my family that it felt impossible for me to say…umm…actually I need some help too. I’m working on that. One of my favorite things I’ve ever read is the phrase “Pain is pain is pain.” It means we can’t compare our pain. We don’t have to make ourselves a martyr because someone else has it worse and we are afraid to admit we are also struggling.

      You are welcome, by the way. I really enjoy your posts and hope you never stop writing.

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      • Thank you so much, Bridgette! Sounds like you’re off to a great start. I will be praying for you. And I’ll never stop writing 🙂

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    • Thanks, Brandon. I don’t plan on stopping writing—I need to write myself out of all this. I’m just behind in so many things and this was one thing I felt I could let go of. I’m healing still and really working hard on facing my fears. I can’t keep living in flight mode. Thank you for being a dedicated follower. It means so much to me.

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  34. Hang in there. I’m sorry you’re going through all of this.

    I understand your reasons for quitting, and I think you make a good point that quitting fulfills those objectives. My last scheduled break from DLTDGB was longer than I had planned, and I think I’ve had at least one week since then when I wasn’t able to get an episode finished. I was busy all week working, and busy all day Saturday doing fun stuff, so I thought I’d be taking another week off, but I sat down to work on writing Friday and the words just came naturally, I knew exactly what I was going to write about before I started, so I ended up posting this week after all. But not every week is going to be like that, and that’s ok. And I have neglected my other non-written creative project this week as well.

    I have things within myself that I need to deal with too, and I have to remember to make time for that, and not to let these creative projects get in the way to the point of not being enjoyable anymore.

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    • Thank you for such a thoughtful comment. Yes, it’s hard to not let our creative outlets become “work.” We all do these things as a form of artistic expression, but we can’t lose sight of what the purpose of it all is. I want to be a published author and I need to evaluate what that really means for me. How can I put more effort into writing my book, healing myself, and maintaining my blog? This will be part of my healing, figuring out how all the parts fit together.

      Thanks for always understanding and being such a great support. I appreciate you so much.

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  35. Bridgette, thank you for sharing this. You are a grown ass woman who gets to make any decision she needs to, as she needs to. No explanation necessary. Those programs are to help give structure, routine and discipline to those who might need it. You have that in spades. Life comes on Life’s terms, so you take care of you however you need to, moment by moment, then hour by hour, then day by day.

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    • You are right! I am a grown ass woman! That made me laugh and also smile. It’s so funny how I can forget sometimes that nobody is forcing me to do these things. I get so set in the idea of completion that I forget that I’m the one who set this goal for myself and it is totally 100% okay to drop it if it’s not working anymore. As I heal, I know part of it is going to be to evaluate how I can shift my focus back on my book projects while still maintaining my blog. I need to heal all this shit (fear, rash, stress, etc), but I also need to find more balance in all I do. For now, though, this grown ass woman needs some rest.

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    • I need to channel some Buddah energy. I used to be a very “in the moment” kind of person. I’d lose track of time because I was so fully into whatever I was doing. I’d be visiting with a friend and find I’d let hours pass! Now…I’ve been living with one leg set firmly in trauma and the other weakly set on the ground before me. I’m unbalanced and unsteady. It’s going to take a lot of time, I think, to find the old me again. I’m eating my old ways again, walking more, and resting. I’ve done it before and I can do it again. Conversations like this help. Thank you.

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  37. You are a pillar of strength and you will get through this!
    I take magnesium for my anxiety and feel it really helps. I would also research art therapy, which is a very effective anti-anxiety tool many practitioners are now using in their treatment clinics. Stay strong girl!

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  39. When you’re going through hell, keep going. There will be light at the end of the tunnel, even if it’s you with your torch looking for your shoes. It’s brave to reveal these deep worries and I hope it helps the settling of perspective on you. Finding a route to self compassion when you’re up to your knees in life can be hard but I’d crucial and does sound like you have a path out of the swamp. Be assured, for we readers, you’ve given us a lot of joy and put a sparkle in our strange lives. It’s a skill, you’re good at it and you can direct those talents at yourself to give some of that joy and sparkle back to yourself.
    Just know there’s a cliche out there waiting for you!!

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    • You always make me smile! Thank you. I had no idea I brought joy and sparkle to anyone—that makes me incredibly happy to hear! Yes, I’m taking a good hard look at myself right now and trying to find a path through this fear. It’s clearly not the place I want to be stuck. I need to pull my feet out of the muck and keep walking. I’ll find that cliche soon!

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  41. To acknowledge you need some time to heal is so important. Often we ignore the signs and push our anxiety deeper and the darkness grows stronger. I am grateful that you are taking time to mend your body and mind. Take all the time you need; we will be here whenever you return.

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    • Thank you so much, Tony. Yes, my body is quite fed up with my nonsense. It’s time to devote some energy to healing and moving through this fear. I’m quite tired of being scared all the time. Not sure what this path looks like, but I’m happy to have your support.

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    • You are so kind and right. I’m so free with helping others…not so great with applying that same love and energy to myself. I’m working on it. I’ve got to get through this fear and find a way back to my old self. I’ve always been a pretty happy, peaceful, and optimistic person. It feels like trauma has robbed me of that naive perspective I always enjoyed. I’ve got to fight my way back.

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  43. Trying to think of something smart to say… what comes to mind is this- if we were at the same spot, I’d say, ‘girllllll, that sounds heavy. Here, sit awhile and set down those bags.’ Life gets heavy. Sending lots of love your way! ❤️💗❤️

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  45. Hang in there. I’m so glad you are doing some self care. We cannot take care of others if we are not taking care of ourselves. I don’t know you, but I can relate. I have raised 5 kids, one special needs. I’m here if you ever want to reach out.

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    • Thank you so much, Dani. That sounds like a lot of people to take care of. You are so right. Up until my son’s accidents I took really good care of myself, but something switched inside me and I haven’t been able to care properly for myself since. Just starting on the road, declaring it important again, feels good. I feel a little like my old self already.

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  46. Oh my goodness, Bridgette! What a load you’ve been carrying around! Yes, please take time to get better and to take care of yourself. We’re not going anywhere. Your readers WILL wait for you. Health comes first, always.

    Virtual hug!

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    • Thank you so much. I’m on the path to healing. I’ve got some new tools and I’m being more honest with my family about what I need. It will be nice to not to feel this anxious all the time.

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  47. The best example you can show your children is how to listen and care for yourself. What a horrific, panic-filled wake up call! Thank God none of your fears in that instant were realized. 💞 The 100 day challenge will be there waiting if and when you feel drawn to resume. Your health and self-care come first, so if its easier to think of putting the challenge and/or your blog on pause, that’s ok too! I’ve hit many times in my life where I had to triage what fills it….what is most important gets the time and attention…things that are less so get set aside for a while. Sometimes I can pick them back up later, other times I realize they weren’t worth the time and effort I was putting into them. Praying you continue to use your tools and the support around you to find the healing, peace, and comfort that you need. 💞 💞 💞

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    • Thank you for these wise and comforting words, Dawn. Yes, as I step away a bit from the blog I’m reevaulating where I need to put my energy. I’ve got to get my anxiety and stress to a more managable level for myself and my family. The changes I’ve made in my eating have already made a huge impact on my mood and energy level. This weekend I plan on doing a lot of journaling and inner work while on a mini-trip to the ocean for my birthday. I’ll have hours to myself to stare at the waves and heal. It’s just what I need right now.

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  48. As women, we often expect too much of ourselves and ignore the fact that we are breaking because there is no time for that amongst looking after all of the people that need us. Until suddenly we are in thousands of scattered pieces. Take care of yourself. I hope you caught it before the shatter.

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    • Thank you. Absolute true. I’ve felt the cracks one or twice over the years and rallied myself. I suppose it’s been harder with the accidents. They feel like they happened to my boy, but in reality, they happened to the entire family. I am taking the time to heal. It is slow.

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  49. Thank you for sharing!!.. sometimes, with all of life’s challenges, one simply needs to briefly stop the world, get off, and slowly reboot and reconnect with one’s inner self… “When one suddenly finds oneself in a swamp up to one’s armpits in alligators, it is difficult to remember the objective was to drain the swamp”. …. 🙂

    Take your time and perhaps even take some advice from Rose Milligan;
    Dust if you must, but wouldn’t it be better
    to paint a picture, or write a letter,
    bake a cake, or plant a seed.
    Ponder the difference between want and need.

    Dust if you must, but there is not much time,
    with rivers to swim and mountains to climb!
    Music to hear, and books to read,
    friends to cherish and life to lead.

    Dust if you must, but the world’s out there
    with the sun in your eyes, the wind in your hair,
    a flutter of snow, a shower of rain,
    this day will not come round again.

    Dust if you must, but bear in mind,
    old age will come and it’s not kind.
    And when you go, and go you must,
    you, yourself, will make more dust!
    (Rose Milligan)

    Hope life is all that you wish for it to be and until we meet again..
    May your day be touched
    by a bit of Irish luck,
    Brightened by a song
    in your heart,
    And warmed by the smiles
    of people you love.
    (Irish Saying)

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