What’s so important about it to me is that it’s the most graphic evidence of just how fragile life really is. It’s the starkest demonstration that everything you love could vanish in moments, and that in turn is a sharp, angry reminder to enjoy every single day you have, every moment you have, because it can all go away so fast. It sets priorities for you without hesitation, clarifying with icy precision just what’s important and what’s not.

It may be the antithesis of a hallmark moment, but the lesson is the same. In a mob or alone, enjoy every minute you have. It won’t come again, and there’s absolutely no telling when the clock runs out.

This story is about my niece. I spent some time with my two cousins and my Aunt while I was in Florida for the Articulate 09 conference. I wanted to bring a birthday gift for my 4 year old niece that would pack easily. Her 7 year old sister had passed down lots of toys — so what could I bring her? Like others, the economy had impacted our finances, but there is nothing so fun as giving a gift that hits the heart. And, like me, my cousin has a big heart for her kids.

So with a mission in mind as I traversed the isles at Jewel/Osco, I found matching, fuzzy lime green mittens and socks on clearance. I added a small bar of clear free trade soap I had in my closet and a coconut lime sample size bottle of body lotion, wrapped it in sparkly paper and pink bag and made a tag that said “Big Girl Bath Spa.”

I received a picture via email within a week of returning to Illinois. My cousin said she wore the socks all day, slathered herself with lotion several times until she could take a bath at night and used her mittens to “lather up with bubbles Mom.” The picture made the refrigerator. I had forgotten how fun “being 4″ can be.

Thanks for the DM tweet today during the conference. It lifted my day. Eric said you would take time respond.

When I used to travel I usually picked up a Jodi Picoult novel. Now I’m into Karen Kingbury. But, I warn you – it’s hard to put them down – even when coaxed by a cup of steaming tea. It has to be hard traveling, even when you meet such great people – I hope your lemonade stand has a web cam and you have safe travels home.

It sometimes seems as if roles in the social media sphere can bring about even greater feelings of isolation because you’re reaching such a huge number of people on a daily basis. Not many positions in the world let you talk with so many people so regularly, and when you get the chance to meet all those people you’ve talked to and come together for all these great conferences it can be much harder than anyone would expect to recapture that connectivity and sense of community when you’re sitting at home, alone, after the fray.

I’m a music person, too (I started my college career as a vocal performance major) and I always lean on singing to help me feel a little better. Most of it happens in my car, lol, but it always helps.

Maybe one day it’ll be a little less tough to work through those times of isolation, but until then I’m glad you’ve got such wonderful loves to turn to to feel better.

Just remember that in addition to being Mom, daughter, and social media goddess, you’re also you. The people that really care about you understand that sometimes there are down days and you can’t disappoint them by being yourself.

(Great movie list, BTW. I’d only add Amadeus, because it reminds me that even genius doesn’t always guarantee happiness.)

Take care of yourself and remember that there are friends all around you…