For all of the BS out there...this is a message from someone who thought the world was at an end almost seven months ago....

Laughter, we have been told, is the best medicine. When in such a state as handling the betrayal of a spouse, it is difficult to cope with life itself, let alone being with people. Yet, this weekend proved that the old adage is so very true. This weekend was my daughter's birthday, my nephew's birthday and my godson's (nephew) Holy Communion. My sister and I tied three parties into one and hosted at her house. I did not have my H there because the pain was too great....I thought the day was going to be a bust. However, as my friends and family started pouring in, and the extended acquaintance I have made through my sister and brother-in-law, there was not a better time to be had. I laughed from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m., I received hugs that were both comforting and needed. Everyone complimented on how good I looked and how strong I've become. My children were positive and happy; not giving up to play once to check on me....as they could see through the window that Mom was having fun. I chatted with my cousins who I lost touch with during this mayhem and I realized that I gave up an integral part of my life by disassociating myself.

My word of advice (which I too will follow from now on) is surround yourself with happiness...people who like to laugh; people who do not dwell on the negative, but speak of the positive. Surround yourself with loving folks who think nothing about putting their arms around you to comfort. Most important, allow yourself a chance to laugh again...while it seems like it will never, ever happen again, it will....the first step is the hardest, but will never be regretted from that point on.