I’m not one to really get into sharing my personal life but today I’m going to make an exception. With the holidays upon us I want everyone to hold on a little tighter to those they love and be thankful for those in their lives.

This week I’ve been through “Hell” and back. On Sunday I received a phone call from my older son telling me to get to the hospital that my younger son was dieing. I had no idea what was going on but I drove myself to the hospital to find that my son had died on the way but was brought back and again he coded on them and again revived. I begged the nurses to let me in to be with my son but I was told I would have to wait. I remember screaming “please let me be with my son” but that fell on deaf ears. I was asking the person that brought him into the hospital what had happened and was told he wasn’t sure only that my son called him and needed someone to talk to. Once my husband arrived and the rest of the family a doctor finally took us into a room to talk with us. We were told that my son had alcohol poisioning and they would be placing him in ICU for observation. Like many out there my son felt the alcohol would help him with what he was going through (the death of his biological father). Unfortunately my son continued to drink and almost lost his life. Once my son was released and back to his home I thought my life would return to normal but yesterday (Wednesday) morning I received a phone call from my oldest daughter stating that she just received a phone call stating that my son had shot and killed himself. After 5 hours of searching for answers and my son the phone rings and my son who is oblivious to what is going on is asking why his phone is blown up with phone calls. My son had stayed in a neighboring town with friends and had no idea what was taking place. Living in a small town has its advantages but when someone hears of something like what took place on Sunday the rumors start.

I am so grateful to have a second chance with my son and I feel for those that will never have a second chance with their loved ones. I want everyone to look around and tell your spouse and your child how much you love them. I want those that have lost loved ones to know that my heart goes out to them.

We each need to look around not only at our loved ones but everything around us and be grateful for what we have. Reach out to those that are less fortunate and in need this Holiday season. With the Jazz teaming up to help out with Toy’s for Tot’s why not pitch in and help out. The Utah Food Bank is in desperate need of food this year. If everyone did just one thing to help someone in need what a difference that would make. Something to think about don’t you think?