Well, after an emotionally exhausting and yet uplifting weekend, I am back. I've noticed I've had a bit of trouble dragging myself out of bed the last few days, which is probably understandable, but have bribed myself with a Cherry Coke Zero before 6 am. Nobody every felt better about life while lying in bed.

I just want to thank all of you who have shown support for my family (Eric's parents and brothers, and our sister-in-law Justine) over the last week or so. I have never seen so many people at a funeral before, it was truly amazing to see just some of the people whose lives Paul has touched over the years.

And I've learned a few things that I hope to remember from all of this.

First of all, don't wait until someone is gone to let them know how much they mean to you. One of Justine's friends said that for her next birthday, she's going to send out invitations that say "You would come to my funeral, so why not come to my party?"

Second, don't wait until someone passes away to get to know people. I got to know Justine better in the 2 days I spent with her than I have in the last four years since she and Paul have been together. And that's really sad, because she's an amazing person and it shouldn't take a tragedy to bring us together.

Thirdly, everyone grieves differently. Some of us wear our emotions on our sleeves, and some of us keep everything deep inside. But just because someone isn't crying doesn't mean they aren't sad or touched. And I think it's healthy for us to feel things the way that comes naturally to us, without forcing anything. We will all heal in our own way and time.

Lastly, but most importantly, families are forever. Losing Paul has been the saddest thing ever to happen to this family, but I know he is with our Savior now, waiting for the rest of us. He is being taught, he is serving, the Lord has a special purpose for him where he is, just as he did while he was here on earth. The atonement of Jesus Christ covers all of us, and this wrong will be made right. Knowing this has made all the difference.