Something else I have learned on life's journey is that when our loved ones hurt, we hurt too, and vice versa.
I've been on both sides, and it is hard.
There's a certain level of feeling helpless when we can't take away a loved ones pain. And there's a certain feeling of helplessness mixed with guilt when you are the one in pain that can't be helped. That's my experience anyway...
I love my children so much, and am thankful for them being at an age where I can still shelter them (mostly) from the ugliness in life (such as what has been going on with their father). But I know there will come a time when that will end. Not ready for that...
You are lucky to have people in your life whom you love and admire so much - and they are lucky to have you.
I have thought often of your puddle analogy - you posted it to me awhile back about my H. We all have those puddle moments! (And he is becoming quite the limber guy - standing in doorways, feet in different rooms, trying to jump over puddles )
And yes, you have friends here who will cheer you on as you lace up your sneakers and take that running start - but who will also pick you up out of the puddle if you don't quite make it the first time, giving you that towel to dry off, and encourage you to try again.
I agree - the best things do take the hardest work.
Continue to think it through, doing what you need to do, feeling what you need to feel.
I'm always ready to listen
Bomb January 2012 - doesn't feel the same about me
~ "There is nothing love cannot face; there is no limit to its faith, hope, and endurance."