Celtic, I'm holding you close in my thoughts. I am mourning my mom's passing. It's just 3 weeks since she's gone. So I know my dear friend how heavy your heart must feel. What truly helps me is to know and believe that our loved ones are in a better place, without pain, worries, or sorrow. They feel a true gentle happiness, unlike anything we could ever feel in our life time. This thought comforts me, and I hope will comfort you as well.

Mountain Ash, I love your poem. I read it several times. How perfect to compare Pauline to beautiful red Poppies. I bet she would have loved that too.
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A friend is a gift you give yourself.
-- Robert Louis Stevenson