That's a picture of me and my nearly-six-year-old daughter, drawn by same. It's the most common theme of her prolific artwork: pictures of me and Mommy. And each one is lovingly inscribed: "to mommy". Most days I enjoy the tributes, give them a few days on the fridge honour roll, and then help them find their way into the recycling.

This one, though, I haven't got my hands on yet. That's because I'm far away from my little girls, helping my Dad and sisters with our round-the-clock hospital visits with my Mom. Please don't get me wrong: I wouldn't dream of being anywhere else, but it is still hard to be separated from my sweet ones, especially when times are so emotionally tough. Some moments I find myself yearning for the comfort of skinny little arms wrapped 'round my waist, and the solid weight of a little girl on my lap, tousled blonde head nestled snugly under my chin.

*sigh*

But it's a hard time for our entire family, and they are in very, very good hands with their Daddy and his mom, Nana. Still, I'm extremely grateful for the regular dispatches I get via Hubster's facebook album. Pictures like these help me keep going for one more day, knowing that they are happy and well and thinking of me: