A cloud of dust and a ray of light -- Fall 1997

I shook my head and sighed.  "With each year we grow farther and farther apart," I said softly.  "It's saddening and we do try to come back together when I get home, but it never goes as planned anymore."  It was just the sad truth about the matter.

Well, at least he tried to explain it to me.  I squeezed his hand comfortingly and leaned my head on his shoulder slightly as we walked.  "Well... you never know, it could get better," I told him.

Always the optimist.  I smiled and gave Lyn a kiss on the forehead.  "And this is why I need you around," I told her softly.  "You keep me looking for he good in my family life..."

I smiled and gave him another kiss, though this time on the lips. "I do my best," I said simply, leaning my head on his shoulder while we walked.

I smiled at her and kissed Madelyn again.  "I know," I said simply, happy to have her helping me out with all my problems.

I smiled at Nolan and nudged him playfully.  "Well, you wouldn't always need me to do that if you believed me sometimes," I pointed out to him simply.