100,000 hits

When I started this blog in 2006, I had no idea I'd still be at it four years later.

Today, the 100,000th visitor stopped by the blog. I realize that's not a huge number, given stats on the big blogs. But for a little independent blog like this, it feels huge.

So thank you to my readers, those who agree with my opinions and those who don't, those who educate me and those who merely lurk. I am richer for having you as part of my community, and I hope I've offered something back in return.

As a way to say thank you, I'm going to run a book giveaway on the site. Stay tuned for details!

Wow

What an outpouring in response to yesterday's Times piece. I had no idea so many people had gone through the same kind of experience. I heard from many, many parents who had nearly lost a child through illness or accident, and from a few who went through the same set of feelings around a parent or sibling.

So I just wanted to say thanks to everyone who wrote and shared a bit of their story with me. You reminded why it is, exactly, that I am a writer. Writing makes me feel not so alone--and I hope it does the same for some of you.