One Moment at a Time

I met Jolene today.

I saw a young Latina girl wearing a T-shirt with a picture of the Little Mermaid when I stopped the mailbox this evening.

Have I mentioned that I engage children in conversation whenever possible?

So I asked the girl if her name was Ariel.

"No," she said shyly.

"Tell her your name," her mother urged.

"Jolene."

Jolene.

I don't know if I've ever met another six year old named Jolene. But God knew I needed to meet another sweet child who bears the same name as my girl.

It's been a day I've survived a moment at a time.

We awoke early, made a 45 minute crosstown trip to apply for death benefits. It was hard, oh so hard. An in your face reminder of the reality of what happened. I drove straight home and climbed into bed. Awoke 30 minutes later, refreshed, ready for work.

At the office, two different managers took the time to talk with me and offer to help me in any way I needed. On the way home I met Jolene.

Once in my apartment, I opened a card that said how I'll miss seeing Jolene smile and hearing her laughter.

And started bawling. Oh, God, how can I bear never seeing my baby again?

One moment at a time, I'm making it through. God is good.