What a wonderful party. Your work friends must think so much of you to go to so much effort. Thirty-five is a lot of people to come on a work night to honor someone.
I'm sure your sales will pick up now that you are some time away from the worst of this - not that you are beyond the pain of it, but maybe past that crushing, constant feeling of grief.
Our sons are so special to us and I think moreso since this happened. They, unfortunately, saw us wounded - that probably really scared them. Then we survived and are doing quite well and I think they do admire our courage and strength. That their fathers have lost some of their respect is the terrible price they had to pay.
My son who first saw his father last week is still angry at him. I asked him if he enjoyed talking to his father (he had been smiling when he was with him) and he said, "Not really." I didn't think he would get over it in one visit. These men shouldn't expect their sons to just come running back to them after what they've done - they have deeply affected their relationships.
You will probably be having other birthday celebrations, and I'm glad that one was so nice.
