I'm having a hard time lately. You know one of those phases of your life where you are so overburdened that four more things are added to your list before you can scratch off a single one?

I don't know if I'm doing something wrong or am completely unorganized or if I just have too much going on inside my head at all times, but I can't remember a thing and I can't seem to make any progress with my rapidly growing list.

When we decided to move, I pared down my efforts to only the basic, necessary things. Forget keeping track of minutes read for a month to receive the free ticket to a theme park I wouldn't have brought the boys to anyway. Forget searching out contributions for yet another fundraiser. Forget volunteering for the after school specials.

We quit Cub Scouts. Now I'm considering quitting the remainder of the soccer season.

I've had numerous days with the boys home sick. Our younger son has missed 17 days this year. 17! I don't know how many the older one has missed but I guess around 6-10. I turn around and they're sick again. Either that, or they have a day off school.

I've got calls coming from friends and family..."Did you remember to call the contractor.....", "Did you call the doctors office....", "Did you sign the boys up for their summer camps....." "Did you RSVP to the party...."

I've got it coming from all directions and the answer to all of the above is, "No."

I am buried in work, both on the job and at home.

I've been emotionally fragile feeling pushed down by the weight of life's burdens.

Lost in all this is quality time spent with the boys and The Swede.

We are tired, spent and irritable. We've been arguing a lot. We've tried to tell the boys that there is a lot going on lately and that adults need to fight it out to get to the point of reaching a resolution. Still, I think we scare them when we argue. We feel guilty for indulging our childlike behavior knowing the boys are unsettled by it.

Yesterday, The Swede, my dad, and two of my sisters visited my Uncle. Everyone thought yesterday would be "the day". He was having a good day. One last burst of energy and lucidity before perhaps leaving us and joining those waiting for him in Heaven.

I wasn't sure how I was going to do during our visit. As usual, when there is an unfamiliar or uncomfortable situation ahead of us, I rely on The Swede to take over and take care of me. I know he will step in and make things better. Yesterday was no exception.

Uncle T is weak and frail. Yesterday, he needed assistance holding his straw and cup of water. The Swede gently held it for him. The Swede told funny stories of the past with Uncle T. He hugged him a good, long while. He leaned in close and spoke kind words to a dying man. He was the strength our sensitive family needed yesterday.

I can't tell you how proud I am of The Swede. He is so free to express himself. He is a goofball and tender and strong all at once.

Among all of the sorrow of our family gathered at the hospice facility, I was proud of and moved by The Swede's actions. My sisters appreciated them as well. My elderly dad who is losing his first sibling, who tries to hide his emotions and be strong for all of his girls, who has given me a great life and been the best dad one can imagine, appreciated it the most.

For that, I am thankful beyond words to this wonderful man, my husband, The Swede.