(Originally posted October 21, 2009)

I'm typing this from a hotel room in Chicago, where I'm attending a work-related conference. This is the first time I've been away from J.J. overnight since the stroke, and I never dreamed it would be this hard. I've been passing the hours by writing postcards to my family----

Eli,

Greetings from the Windy City, which was not at all windy today. It was just as warm and sunny here as it was at home. I'm missing you guys a lot, but I'm still having fun. I just had awesome Chicago-style pizza! I'll be home soon--be good for your dad in the meantime! Love, Mom

Leah,

Well, I'm here in Chicago and it's been a really nice day, which is a big change fromn how it is normally when I'm here! All I can think about is how much I want to be home with you guys--and I will be, in two more sleeps! Love, Mommy

My love,

Tonight I'll go to sleep without you beside me. Tomorrow I'll wake up and you still won't be here. And I'll miss you, of course--that goes without saying. But mostly, I'll miss US; the feeling of finally letting out the breath I didn't know I'd been holding all day as soon as I'm in your arms. Can't wait to breathe again------ E