EVERYTHING! The "sleep sweets" before bed, the "good morning Redbirds", the triumphs of honor rolls, the holding your breath when up to bat at the game, the late nights studying, the burning dinner because I can't cook, the roasting each other, the morals we instill in each other, the non-negotiables we set as a family, the way I get to work hard to provide for them (it's hard and a struggle but it is a blessing), the car karaoke rocks, the silence, the chaos, even the arguing. It all matters.

stay with me on this...3/16/24 we suffered a tragic loss. The man in the pictures, Our Nick. It was something I never wanted to see much less my girls see. Our lives were turned upside down and shattered. To say my girls saved me that day and continue to daily is an understatement. The strength and compassion and courage and maturity they showered me with that day still leaves me speechless. How could a 13 & 15 y.o. provide all that while feeling everything I was feeling at the same time?

I would use it as a down payment to my current employer. As she will retire in the years to come. I want to purchase the business. This way I can provide so much more for my girls and their futures. Also, I would be starting a legacy for my entire family. We could pass it down generation to generation. I would also take them to see a Cardinals ball game. Nick's favorite team.