The children unwrapped Karen's gifts tonight. She had bought the boys these super cute Hawaiian-style shirts, and a lovely "spin-able" dress for Jewel.

I hadn't cried all day. And I just broke. Those wracking kind of sobs that shake your shoulders? It was a wave crashing over me. The children were puzzled. Why was Mommy crying? Here, look, Mommy, look how nice--don't cry, Mommy, it's OK, Mommy.

Even now, I feel a sort of brokeness inside.