Cherish Your Children's Father Because Today Could Be His (or Anyone's) Last Day by Heather Holter

When I was 9 years old, my dad died suddenly of a heart attack. It was sad, confusing and scary, and left my mom to raise five kids alone! Since the day I became a mom, I have had this deep-seeded fear that my husband would die, leaving me to raise my kids alone. That has not happened to me, but it did happen to my friend last week, and the experience has gotten to me more than it should. It feels like my childhood all over again. 

Her daughter is the same age I was, and her husband died the same way mine did. I am brokenhearted for her three kids and their mom. Such a terrible thing to go through! I have been trying to help my friend, but nothing seems to be enough. Nothing will fix it. I told the little girl my story and gave her a journal to write down her thoughts and feelings. 

Seeing the kids and their mom bawling at the funeral brought me back to the day I attended my dad's funeral and it just tore me apart. I want so much to help more, but what can I do? It could happen to any of us at any time, so I have decided to make a conscious effort to really cherish every moment with my husband that I have left because you never know which moment will be your last. Just cherish those you love!