For once, and only once, am I very grateful that the family we have in the States doesn't live north of Washington!
For as many times as I've begged my sister to move her family a few states north so they can be less than a three-days' drive away, I'm glad she never listens to me. Especially since my mother is visiting in Georgia right now!

What I'm also grateful for are the wonderful friends and relatives who bless me with their love and support. Put out a call for help and they respond. The acknowledgements in just expanded like, well, like Hurricane Sandy travelling over warm water.