I have had 8 days of solitude.  It has done wonders for my state of mind.  While I am sad for the reason I got to have it, I am so thankful that I did.  I rarely if ever get to have my house to myself these days.  I cleaned every nook and cranny of it and then basked in the silence. In the past few months I have spent a lot of time and energy fretting over what I felt I was lacking in my life, or losing, and this quiet time gave me the opportunity to reflect on how many blessings I HAVE.  It solidified my resolve.  Put into sharp focus exactly what I am fighting for.  I needed this.