Thinking of the Heid Family ...

As most of you will know, Nicole Heid is a wonderful, dear friend of mine. She was at my house this morning for our weekly TPG (Toddler Play Group) when I heard her cell phone ringing. When she picked it up, she realized she'd missed Chris's 5 previous calls and text messages. Unfortunately, he was calling to give her very depressing news, that his mother Audrey died this morning. They don't know what happened, only that she died suddenly in her home. Chris picked up Nicole and Bennett and they went over there to be with his 2 brothers. I picked up their daughter Mia from preschool and brought her here to play with Reagan. I am so sad that Chris and Nicole have to go through this right now. I wish there was something I could do to help. My thoughts and prayers are with them and I hope they know I'm here to help in whatever way I can.

You may remember that Chris lost his father (Audrey's husband) 2 1/2 years ago to a blood cancer, which is why Nicole was passionate about raising money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society with Meredith and me over the summer. My heart goes out to Chris right now because I can't imagine losing both parents in such a short time frame, at such a young age (Chris just turned 30 this year). It was also SO sudden and came out of nowhere, since she was young (only 64 years old) and in relatively good health.
Here is a picture I took of Audrey on September 7th at Mia's birthday party. She took care of Bennett every single Tuesday and Thursday since Bennett was born, while Nicole worked. They had such a strong bond and it breaks my heart that she is gone now. I met Audrey several times, and although I didn't know her well, I knew she was such a good, thoughtful person. She came over the night before our big garage sale to bring us some tables ... she met my dog Dawson (a boxer) that day. About a month later, Nicole gave me a gift from her: it was a big magnet with a picture of a boxer that said "I love my boxer." She saw it, thought of me, and asked Nicole to give it to me. It was such a sweet gesture.
This might seem odd that I'm posting about the passing of my friend's mother-in-law, but I guess I just need an outlet to express my thoughts. I feel like I've been hearing the most horrible news lately ... so many people dealing with loss and disease and hardships in general. It's depressing and sad. Yet it's just another reminder of how wonderful my life is and how blessed I am. How lucky I am to have both parents alive and in good health! How fortunate I am to have 2 healthy, perfect little girls to hold, love and share with my amazing husband. I have so many family members, on John's side and mine, who offer support whenever I need it. And I have so many wonderful, helpful friends who are there for me when I need them. I am so blessed!

So keep the Heid family in your prayers. Also keep the Heseltine family in your prayers too ... my good friend Autumn and her husband Chad have experienced way too much loss over the last few weeks. I'm thinking of you guys!