Happy Halloween....

I love this time of year. Halloween is the holiday kick-off from now until we ring in new year. I loved it as a little girl, and I still love it now. Thanksgiving and Christmas will be here and gone before we know it. It all goes by so fast.

I put together this fun Halloween video with a few safety tips I found on the CDC website to help keep your festivities fun and safe, and I included a delicious recipe from a previous blog post. All of my friends - with and without a badge - just love them. See below or click here for the original post.

Happy Halloween!

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Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes

Ingredients:

2 cups all purpose flour

1 (3.4 oz) package Jello brand instant butterscotch pudding mix

2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt (optional...I did not use in mine)

1 tbsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground ginger

1/2 tsp ground allspice

1/4 tsp ground cloves

1 cup butter, room temperature (2 sticks)

1 cup white sugar

1 cup packed brown sugar

4 eggs, room temperature

1 tsp vanilla

1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
Paper cupcake liners
2 muffin tins (holds 12 cupcakes) * Recipe makes 24 cupcakes. I do not recommend halving the recipe, but make all 24. They will be eaten!  

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line two muffin tins (12 ea) with 24 paper muffin/cupcake liners. 
• Whisk together the flour, pudding mix, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ground ginger, allspice, and cloves in a bowl; set aside.
• Beat the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer in a large bowl until light and fluffy.  The mixture should be noticeably lighter in color.  Add the room temperature eggs one at a time, allowing each egg to blend into the butter mixture before adding the next.  Beat in the vanilla and pumpkin puree with the last egg.  Stir in the flour mixture, mixing until just incorporated.  Place one paper liner in each muffin space. Pour the batter into paper cupcake liner. (see my notes below)
• Bake in the preheated oven until golden and the tops spring back when lightly pressed, about 20 minutes.  Cool in the pans for 10 minutes before removing to cool completely on a wire rack.  NOTE: I used a double-oven and put one tin in each oven.  If you have a single-oven,  I would probably bake one tin at a time.  I’m not sure how evenly it would cook w/ two tins in one oven, so use your own judgment there.
• After the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them with the cinnamon cream cheese icing.  

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Icing (Delicious!)

Ingredients:

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup butter, softened

3 cups confectioners' sugar

1 tsp vanilla

1 tsp ground cinnamon

Directions:

Beat the cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer in a bowl until smooth.  Beat in the confectioners' sugar a little at a time until incorporated.  Add the vanilla and ground cinnamon.  Beat until fluffy.  NOTE: You may need to add a little more confectioners' sugar to thicken the icing.  Try it with 3 cups first, and then add more if you want the icing to be thicker, but not too much, as you don't want it so sweet it won't compliment the taste of the cupcake.  I did add a little more, but not much. Make sure the cupcakes are completely cool before icing them.

Notes:  

• The first time I made this, I panicked because after I stirred in the flour, the batter was VERY thick and was NOT ‘pourable’ as the instructions given to me called for.  I scooped the mixture out using a spoon. 
• The second time I made this, I used a scoop like this and it went much, MUCH faster.  I use this scoop for my cream puffs also and it is such a time saver.  The scoop size is a 2” circle. 
• If you use the scoop, put one scoop in each of the 24 cups, then go back with a spoon and evenly distribute the mixture until cups are ¾ filled.  Keep swirling the mixture around with a spoon to get the mixture to settle down. 
• You won't use all of mixture, so don't worry. 

I used a 16" pastry bag for the frosting and the Wilton tip #1M.

October 27, 2017 - Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Headquarters

I volunteered Friday night in the gift shop and set up my little treat table -- the first time in a long time. I thought it turned out cute. 

 ♥

The Heart of HCSO....

Originally from Tampa/Brandon FL, I have made my home under the Carolina blue skies for the past
26-1/2 years. But I get homesick all the time. I miss my family; friends; my best girlfriend, Linda; Frank and Diane; the drive across the Skyway Bridge....I could go on and on. The restaurants are amazing too. La Septima and Brocatos are two of my favorites. I'm not sure what or who I miss more - my family or the great Latin food. No offense, but I think it's a tie.  :)

I am proud to say that I am a Tampa native, and it was the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) who was the law enforcement presence in the area where I grew up. They still are. 

While I was working on a new community service video for CMPD, I found some wonderful photos on the HCSO's Facebook page that expresses their compassion for the children in Hillsborough County, so I made them a video. I have been wanting to do something for them for a long time - albeit now three states away - to show my appreciation for their continued service to my friends and family who still live there.   

I shared this video with my HCSO contact on Wednesday and I am proud to report that he loved it and I think the sheriff did too. It is currently making the rounds on Facebook and Twitter. 

This is the Heart of HCSO.  ♥  

I thought every picture was precious, but I especially loved the expression on this little one. Whatever he was saying looked super important and he had the deputy's attention. The expression on his face and his hand gestures.... priceless. Just as cute as can be.  ♥ 
                                                           

Thinking about a visit to Tampa? Here's a great link to help get you started.  https://www.visittampabay.com/

Video photo credit: Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office

Me, oh my....PIES!

So who would've thought fixing a moisture-damaged wall would take so long. I started searching for someone to fix my wall well over a year and a half ago - maybe two. The first handyman who said "oh, I can do anything", never called me back. The second handyman was just interested in making a quick $70 for a service call so he can move on to the next job.

So when my neighbor, who manages commercial real estate for a living, highly recommended the handyman he uses, I had no reason to doubt his ability. Wrong! $1,630 later and I'm having to have the wall completely redone.

I was bamboozled!

All I want to do is get this wall done and my house put back together so I can invite my friends over for a hot meal again. I had a special request from a first shift officer for lasagna, so I guess I'll make that first.  

In the meantime, while I wait for the big ol' wall to be redone, I came across this wonderful video on pie crust hacks. With the holidays just around the corner, I thought I might have at least one reader who might be a pie baker.

Enjoy!  ♥

                                                                                     

Proud to be recognized....

So this recently happened. ♥

Two weeks ago, the 2016 CMPD Annual Report was distributed, and guess who was recognized for her volunteerism with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department? This girl!

I know it's cliché, but everything that happens in your life (good and bad) really DOES happen for a reason. It alters your path in life. It changes the outcome of what might have been if you had taken a different road. The choices I have made in my life, ultimately brought me to Charlotte, and for that I am grateful. I am grateful for this life I live. I am grateful that something bad has turned into something wonderful.

I think everyone has their 'moment in the sun' at least once in their lifetime, and I guess you could say this was mine. Thank you CMPD.

The few community videos I have made for the CMPD have been well-received and shared throughout the department and on social media (an honor in itself). Below is the video mentioned in the annual report:

Shiny Shoe Day....

Each year as National Police Week comes to a close, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department honors their fallen at a Peace Officer Memorial Service. Last Friday, 38 officers in service to Mecklenburg County were honored for their service and sacrifice. This service not only honored the fallen with CMPD, but also with the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office, Davidson Police Department, Huntersville Police Department, NC Division of Motor Vehicles (Enforcement), and the FBI.

It was a beautiful service and I was honored, for the second year in a row, to have my fallen officer video shown during the opening ceremony. Forever honored; never forgotten.

IT WAS A SHINY SHOE DAY

A memorial service is a day the officers look their best. It is a sign of respect for their brothers and sisters who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Long-sleeve shirt, black tie, a black band over their badge....and, yes, shiny shoes. They have a proper dress code for such events and wearing the black sneakers that they typically wear during a normal workday so they can move about quickly and for comfort, is not part of the appropriate attire for this service. 

Back in the day (late 1970s-early 80s) when my then husband was a deputy for the Hillsborough County Sheriff's office, he always wore shiny shoes or nice boots with his uniform. Best I can remember, they didn’t wear black sneakers back then. In fact, sometimes when he was running late, I would polish his boots along with adding the pins and deputy badge to his newly starched white uniform shirt. You might say that I was too young and naive way back then to say “hey, polish your own shoes” (and yes, I was very young), but I don’t think that was it. I was genuinely happy to help my husband look his best before he left the house to serve his community. 

I  CAN'T BELIEVE I SAID THAT!

When I left the memorial service on Friday, I was walking up Davidson Street heading to the parking garage. I stopped at a crosswalk on the corner of 3rd Street and Davidson and pushed the button to cross. A CMPD officer came up behind me and I happened to look down and noticed his shiny shoes. As I looked up I saw his name tag. The officer was a Major! Without thinking, and maybe to make conversation, I said “It’s shiny shoe day, sir”, and he said “Yes ma’am it is”. 

By the time I got to the car I was mortified. I couldn't believe I said that. But if the Major knew me like the hundred or so officers who have sat at my table for a meal know me, he would understand that my heart is always in the right place when it comes to my friends in blue. It was just a silly little observation that took me back 38 years to another time in my life.

My prayer today is that those shiny shoes will stay in the closet until next year's memorial service. May my Heavenly Father continue to protect and keep my friends safe.

                            

                                                                    ♥                                                                 

Never forgotten....

This week is a very special week for law enforcement officers throughout the United States.

In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls, as National Police Week. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week is dedicated to honoring law enforcement officers and pays special recognition to those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for the safety and protection of others. It is a time police officers and thankful citizens throughout the country honor the fallen. 

In 2016, 143 officers in the United States were killed in the line of duty. This is video I did to remember and honor the fallen. Rest in peace officers....time will not diminish our respect for you. 

                                                                                    

Bike to Washington DC

One very special event here in Charlotte during police week is when a few officers from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and officers from surrounding counties and states ride bicycles 500 miles over four days from Charlotte to Washington, DC. From the start in Charlotte and all along the way they are joined by fellow officers and citizens from towns and cities on the route who ride with them to show support for their cause - a ride in honor and memory of those who have died in the line of duty. Though the 500 mile journey is not easy, each mile is a tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.  (Source: bike2dc.com)

Photo Credit: CMPD

At the completion of the ride, the officers attend a Candlelight Vigil at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC. 

 Photo Credit: www.nleomf.org

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department honors 31 officers who have died in the line of duty since 1892.

Photo Credit: CMPD

                                                                   
                                                                      
                                                                     ♥

Send back-up....send back-up!

A friend shared this video on Facebook and it made me smile big! Honestly, there is nothing sweeter than to see a little child running and screaming in excitement with giggles in their heart. They're making happy memories that will carry them through their adult life.

This little sweetheart is the cutest little cupcake suspect I have ever seen. I doubt she will do hard time for this offense. Maybe just a few extra kisses for daddy before he goes to work.

Her daddy is a police officer!

Enjoy!    ♥

Engagement....Service....Community

Purely by happenstance (I love that word), I started making amateur videos when a friend wanted a video made to commemorate her sister's 60th birthday and asked if I could help. Up until that point, I had never made a video. My friend comes from a large family and large families take lots of pictures and, boy, did she ever have a lot of pictures! I really learned a lot with that first video.

Making videos suit me I think and I enjoy making them. Unless there is a stressful deadline, it is very therapeutic. I learn something new every time I make a new one, and I have enjoyed watching my progress over the last few years.

I have made two community service videos for my friends at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department using photos from their Facebook page (w/ permission) and below is the most recent. I follow CMPD's Facebook page and when they share a picture I think I can use, I save it. When I eventually have enough pictures, another video is born.

I love these friends of mine. 

This is Officer Spencer....he is in this video, but I wanted to give him a shout-out because he was so sweet to me during my foot surgery last year. It was a very physically and challenging time for me, but calls and visits (like his) kept my spirits up. He has such a kind heart. He brought me a few Starbucks Mocha Frappucinos when he was in my area, and out of the blue one night, texted me to see if I needed anything. It meant the world to me. Your kindness won't be forgotten, Sir.

♥

Frosting Cream Puffs....

A friend of mine has been wanting me to show her how I frost the cream puffs that I make for my police officers. She enjoys making mini-cupcakes for her grandchildren's classroom and thought this frosting effect would be a nice touch to her own treats.

So I told her I would make a video the next time I made cream puffs for my friends in blue if I could manage holding the camera phone in one hand and the frosting bag in the other, and I have to say, despite my head-cold, I think this turned out kind of cute.

Wilton Tip:  1M

I haven't made deviled eggs in eons, but I think using this technique for filling deviled eggs would make them really cute.  I would think it would make the filling process go by much faster too!

♥

For whom the bell tolls....

Since 1892, 30 Charlotte officers have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Seven of the 30 officers have lost their life since my move to Charlotte in 1991. A terribly sad statistic.

I honored these officers on July 14, 2012 in a blog story called "End of watch ... we'll take it from here", and for the past two months, I have been working on a special video to honor them again.

It has been a privilege to learn more about these officers the past two months. While my video was still in the developing stage, there were many nights I would drive home after work thinking about the video that I would start working on again when I got home. The song that I chose to accompany the video would run through my head and every face would cross my thoughts. What an honor that I could now call these 30 officers by name...."that's Officer Nichols, that's Officer Coleman, Officer Moran, Detective Correll."

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has so beautifully honored these officers on their memorial page. To learn more about these courageous officers, please visit www.cmpd.org.

Forever honored....never forgotten.

Rest in peace, Sir.   

This poem written by John Donne seemed so appropriate, so I used it in my video. Many people think this poem was written by Ernest Longfellow, but in fact, Mr. Donne published this hundreds of years earlier. Ernest Longfellow's book "For Whom the Bell Tolls", published in 1940, made this famous quote even more popular.

"Any man's death diminishes me,
because I am involved in mankind,
and therefore never send to know for
whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee."  

                                                                   ~ John Donne

I remain prayerful every day that we see no other officers fall in the line of duty. May God bless and protect you all.

♥

Karma...what goes around, really does come around

"What goes around, comes around"....we have all heard that before, right? It's the first thing I think of when I have been wronged or my feelings have been hurt.

But it goes the other way too. If you treat people the way you would want to be treated and give of yourself in friendship, you hope that someday, when you need help the most, your kindness will come back around.

This is the 3rd month my kitchen has been closed. On April 24, I had foot surgery. I had hoped my support system would be better than it was when I had surgery 7 years ago, and wow, was it ever! And it wasn't that the friends I had weren't great the last time, it's like there just wasn't enough of them. They all had jobs, a family, and their own life. There is only so much you can ask of your friends, after all, a 2-3 month recuperation period is a long time. I don't know what I did to deserve all of this, but I thank God that my good friends have almost tripled. I am still in this ski boot for another month, but I am hopeful that with the next blog post, I will be up-and-running and doing what I love to do.

In case anyone has been wondering, here is a little look-back at my recovery the last 2+ months and a way for me to acknowledge and thank my fantastic friends. I think they know me well enough that when they are faced with big life stuff....I will be there.

♥

Lots of pictures to pass the time -- starting with the 

first night home.

The first four weeks I was in this non-weight bearing/no walking fiberglass cast. Very physically exhausting.

A minor set-back

On May 22, I had a doctor's appointment for an x-ray and to have the hard cast cut-off. The x-rays showed that the screw holding the two bones together had slipped, so now there was a slight gap between the two bones. The doctor didn’t seem to be too concerned and said it would still be OK….it would just take longer to heal. It was just a little set-back -- a pebble in the road -- and we would get through it.  He removed the cast and put me in a black ski boot for another two months (no weight-bearing).  

On June 5, I had another x-ray. The doctor could see some improvement, but ordered another three weeks of no weight-bearing (in the ski boot).  

On June 26, another x-ray, and the doctor released me to return to work (in the ski boot) with light walking, using crutches or the knee scooter. Getting around the office w/ crutches is really just too hard, so I use my scooter at the office and save my light walking for around the house.  

 

       

This knee scooter was a lifesaver and made it easy to get around the house. Getting off the sofa without putting weight on the foot was the big challenge.

My amazing support system made up of work colleagues, neighbors, friends, and a few officers. It takes a village and they all played a part in keeping my spirits up. Even Mary w/ the Firestone Complete Auto Care in Ballantyne called to check on me. Wow! I have delivered cream puffs to them a few times. No doubt, more cream puffs are guaranteed after I'm moving about 100%.

I obviously didn't take pictures of every act of kindness (I wish I had), but below are just a few highlights of the last two months. If I were to list everything, this blog post would be as long as the United States Constitution. My cup runneth over.  

~ ~ ~ 

This is Ofc. Herrera. We were already good friends before my surgery, but Ofc. Herrera is one officer more than happy to show his appreciation for all the cooking and volunteering I do for the CMPD. We have been friends since the very first night he ate a meal at my table. Throughout my recovery, he was so thoughtful to call me on his way to work to see how my day was and he would ask if I needed anything. He stopped by with dinner a few times, large sweet teas from McD's, and he even remembered trash day and would wheel my container out to the curb if it was full. One afternoon on his day off, he and his beautiful wife stopped to visit and they brought me lunch. I am so grateful. I have no doubt my friendship with this officer and his family will continue long after he retires. He has a such good heart. ♥

The first three weeks were the hardest because I was weak from the surgery and it was very hard getting around without putting weight on my hurt foot. How I was going to get my morning coffee was a little worrisome, but a few friends came to my rescue (thanks to Teresa, Charlotte, and Sheilah.) There were a bunch of days I went without coffee and I probably should've taken advantage of the opportunity to stop drinking it altogether, but I enjoy it too much. 

This is Ofc. Spencer who stopped by on his day off and a few other times. Another officer who was so kind to check on me throughout my recovery. It's really hard to go through big life stuff when you don't have family here. He brought me my favorite Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino each time he could stop by. I loved to get that text message that said...."I'm near a Starbucks...do you want something?" When your normal routine comes to a halt and you can't get out and about, it means a lot to have a treat like this and to know that you are thought of. Ofc. Spencer has a kind soul and his thoughtfulness is genuine.  ♥

  

Here's one of Ofc. Spencer's text messages....just a few words meant so much.  

There is not enough I can say about my friend, Teresa. We are sisters from another mister, that's for sure. Teresa also knows first-hand how humbling it is to have to call on others when you're faced with a life challenge. She has been my driver to all of my post-surgery doctor appointments; she picked up my groceries, treats, dinner, and sweet tea from McD's. She would not only pick up what I asked for, but she would call me en route asking about other things she might be able to do for me while she was out and about. Wow, is all I can say. She knows all of my food cravings now. We both got into the Downton Abbey PBS series while I was out and she would come over and watch 2-3 episodes with me at a time. Good company and a great friend! Everything she did for me was with a cheerful heart. ♥

Thank you, Kim! Kim and I have known each other since the mid-80s. She made homemade chicken fettuccine alfredo, caesar salad, sweet tea, and some amazing chocolate cake. She made us after dinner coffee and pretty much waited on me hand and foot with a cheerful heart. She also brought me roses from her garden in what she called a 'redneck vase' (a Mason Jar). Kim lives at least 45-50 minutes away, so this visit was a labor of love. I enjoyed every minute our visit.  ♥

Crystal and I have been friends on Facebook for about five years and this was the first time we had met. She brought me much more than my personal request of some corn-on-the-cob from Aldi's. She brought me a rotisserie chicken and all the stuff to go with it. It was all delicious! I loved her cast art! It took just a few minutes for me to know we are kindred spirits.  ♥

Thank you, Mark and Sherri....you were so sweet to get me out of the house and take me to one of my favorite restaurants. You both were so cute to make sure I didn't fall or wobble getting down the stairs. I had so much fun that night and the cool air on my face felt wonderful! You both are adorable and I love you very much!   ♥

   

Another friend was very sweet to pick me up one morning to take me to a nearby Waffle House for breakfast. I needed my Waffle House fix. Tee, a waitress there, came over and asked if she could sign my cast. She said she had always wanted to sign a cast, so I told her I would be happy for her to sign mine. Tee has waited on me many, many times over the years. She has a hard job and I have never seen her without a smile on her face.

One of my favorite songs and such great words to live by...."What You Give Away" w/ Vince Gill and Sheryl Crow.

Gifts

I have friends with giving hearts....I received a bunch of cards too!  :)

♥

A hiatus for AHOP....

On April 24 I had foot surgery, so my kitchen is temporarily closed -- at least until mid-June. No cream puffs and no dinners for a while. I took care of the troops before my surgery though...lots of cream puff deliveries direct to the stations: South, Hickory Grove, Metro and Eastway.

I'm in this ugly non-weight bearing fiberglass cast for six weeks and I'm happy to say I have almost two weeks behind me.  :o)

With all the time I have on my hands waiting for my foot to heal, I came across this ingenious way to shred hot chicken. It was truly one of those 'why didn't I think of that?' moments.

After I saw this video, I started searching YouTube and there are a lot of videos on YouTube where people used their Kitchen Aid stand mixers. I thought this method (with the hand mixer) produced longer shreds of chicken, but check out the Kitchen Aid methods on YouTube and see which method you prefer.

Shredding Chicken the Easy Way

Source: Facebook (John Wiersma - April 30, 2015)

I hope this saves you a lot of time in the kitchen -- no more burned fingers -- and delicious chicken salad sandwiches or BBQ.

You can thank me later.  :o)

♥

Happy Val♥ntine's Day!

On Valentine's Day, I love to see the flower trucks running from one business to the other. I love seeing the boyfriends and husbands standing in the Hallmark line on Valentine's Day during their lunch hour sweating bullets (no pun intended) after all the really cute cards are all picked over and gone. 

And I love the thought that every person has a soul mate.... a 'split-part'.  

The Split-Apart Theory -- The first ever written reference to each person having a destined mate was given from the ancient Greek philosopher, Plato (427 BC-348 BC). Plato's theory was that each human being is part of one soul, in which they only have half of. The idea is that the soul was "split-apart" and separated from each other– and, since that time, the two halves have been forever searching for one another in order to join together and regain their sense of original created wholeness. 

And here's a fairy-tale movie you might enjoy about mismatched people finding their way to their proper mates (their split-apart). It's called The Butcher's Wife. It's about a Greenwich Village butcher who returns from a NC fishing trip, and he can't wait to show off his prize catch....his beautiful wife, a country clairvoyant named Marina (Demi Moore). But the butcher's pride turns to prime concern when he hears gossip about a backwoods psychic whose charms are turning hardened city dwellers into love-struck kids. Great cast: Demi Moore, Jeff Daniels, Mary Steenburgen and Frances MacDormand. 

  

However you spend your Valentine's Day, I hope it is with someone who still makes your heart skip a beat when you get a text message in the middle of the day and she tells you your arms still drive her crazy. Or you text her to tell her she has nice legs, even though she knows she doesn't. The one who still surprises you with the teeniest little things so you can't wait to get home at night.  ♥

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All of the above vintage valentine cards were found on Pinterest.

♥

That Pooh....he was a wise old bear!
(Picture credit: Pinterest)

Sweet dreams, Miss Isabelle.....

I have always tried to preserve this blog to only AHOP-related stories and recipes, telling my readers that "it's not about me."

But sometimes it is about me.  I said goodbye to my sweet Miss Isabelle on Thursday and I am heartbroken. I held her sweet little face in my hands just like I always did at home and told her how much I loved her, and then she drifted away. 

When the AHOP light was on in the window for breakfast or dinner, Isabelle always enjoyed making an appearance in the dining room to say hello to the 1st and 2nd shift officers.  She would weave her little black and white body in-between their legs at the table or just sit there long enough so Officer Tom would pet the top of her little head.  She also knew if she bothered them 'just long enough', I would stop and feed her (again).  

Officer Tom always looked for Miss Isabelle before he left so he could say good-bye.  He would pass through the den where she was usually on the ottoman or in her big comfy chair and he would give her a pat on the head and say...."Bye Izzie".

The quiet in my house now is almost unbearable.  I would give anything to flip a pancake or two, or make a meatloaf right now -- just to keep me busy.  I have never missed my friends more.   

Sweet dreams, Miss Isabelle.....  ♥

"What we have once enjoyed 

we can never lose. All that we love 

deeply becomes a part of us."

~ Helen Keller

   "The risk of love is loss, and the price of loss is
grief. But the pain of grief is only a
 shadow when compared to the pain of 
never risking love.”
– Hilary Stanton Zunin