Life is so fragile

It has been a hard long fall/winter. Yet at the same time, life is good. It is still full of hope and dreams. Lucas transitioned to college, it was harder on him than he could have envisioned. He did well with his grades and classes. Of course there were some dissappointments, but I am proud of him. He does better with lifes challenges than I ever could do. He is a badger. He is in his sports haven. Armed with his badger football and basketball tickets, he is "set". He has a close circle of friends from his dorm. Matt, Shannon, Patrick, Sarah, Jaimie, Jenna to name a few. Next year he is renting a flat, second story of a house on Johnson St. He will be rooming with Matt, Patrick and Shannon. He is excited about that.
Benjamin is in a verynice apartment complext compelte with anything one could imagine. He too is taking a fulll rigourous load of classes. He is under a great deal of stress to succeed. Yet, Benjamin always find time to have fun. He is the goal keeper on the soccer team, he is on the UMN's handball team..traveling to the National tournament next week at the University of Arizona, plays intramural basketball, and takes Judo for a class. He is always active in one way or another.
Taylor is soo sooooo busy! She just made all-state honors for individuals at her State Dance competition. Her Aquinas School Pom Team got second place at state. woo hoo! She never ever seizes to amaze me. She is really something. She is taking two foreign languages and is hoping to do an exchange with France in summer 2011.
So you see, lots is happening, lots of excitement, but there is still lots of worry and stress as everyone has to endure. Tomorrow is the 2 year anniversary of the death of our friend Luke Petersen. His death has had more impact on my family than words can even say. Luke was an amazing Kid and his loss is so huge that so many people/kids do not know how to deal with the loss of him. Valentine's Day will always remind of us of Luke. However, Luke is thought of every single day. Lukes Mom, Dad and brother are thought of every single day. Luke lost his battle with depression and took his life. This was just 6 months after my brother in law (my husband's brother) took his own life too. He happened to do it in our family home. Our family never really healed from the loss of Greg, nor the loss of Luke. Somehow, I pray that all of my kids realize that their life is their own and that they all have their own destiny. They all have so much going for them, it is unbelievable. They are all so wonderful. Their achilles heel, like their mothers is they have too big of a sensitive heart. Feeling so much pain can be incapacitating at times. I send all of my strength to my kids ......sending them all the good "Ju Ju" I have <3