My brothers—for not truly understanding the depth of what happened while Mom was dying and everything that followed. For not seeing the weight I carried alone.

My husband—for his illness, for the sharp words thrown at the kids, for the strain that built walls between us when we needed each other most.

Myself—for simply being human, for doing my absolute best even when it felt like it was never enough.

Tami—for being cruel, both before and after Mom passed, for adding to the pain instead of easing it.

Life—for being relentless, for taking Mom too soon, for the endless struggles.

Mom—for leaving, though I know she didn’t want to.

God—for this, if it even helps. Or maybe just for making me lay my soul bare, stringing me along for some lesson I have yet to understand. Just kidding, God… kind of.