I am so incredibly thankful for amazing friends. Friends that care enough about me to force me out of the house when all I want to do for the rest of my life is to curl into a ball in bed and cry. Twice yesterday I had extraordinary friends force me out of the house and push me out of my comfort zone to try and got me to be social. I know I need that, but I think sometimes I’m expecting too much of myself too soon.
I’m hesitant to say that I had a good time last night. I did. But at the same time it was mentally exhausting. I felt like the majority of the time I was there I was hiding behind a mask. Acting every part to try and make myself seem normal, seem like I’m not completely broken. I tried to smile, and laugh and joke (and I did) but on the inside I was screaming at myself.
It’s too soon to be out.
It’s too soon to act like everything is ok.
They know you’re acting, Rhonda.
Don’t you dare cry.
How can you genuinely laugh like that when your baby is dead?
I stayed for a little over an hour and the guilt got to be too much. I came home. And I sat awake in bed until 6am. Agonizing over every minute, every smile, every laugh. How could I do that to her?
And it’s crazy, because I know most of the time I’m being irrational. I’m in a constant fight in my own head. But it always wins over, and I feel like I’m betraying my little girl. If she was alive right now I wouldn’t have been out last night. I would have been at home, snuggling her and thinking I was the luckiest person on earth. Instead I was standing in the middle of a kitchen surrounded by the people I love most thinking what a horrible person I was for being there. I should have been at home mourning her. The way I wanted to be, curled into a ball in my bed crying.
I wouldn’t trade my friends for anything in the world, I love and adore them and everyday I am thankful that they care about me so much.I’m so happy that friends I haven’t been with in 3 years have come together to support me. I’m so happy we stood together and took a picture for the first time in 3 years last night.
I think this time I just pushed myself too far too soon. If this is what being strong is, I don’t like it. It’s hard. So very utterly hard. I’m tired and I want a break. I’m afraid that soon the mask will crack and everyone will see how broken I really am.
(April, Amanda, Me and Dwan.)
Being Everlee's Mom 
its ok to feel that way Rhonda, we all understand how you feel or at least we hope we can understand. I am glad you got out of the house yesterday and even if it was just an hour, it was an hour that you were surronded by people you love and they love you.
You did very good. That was a big step forward for you and it’s understandable you’d be exhausted. Everlee would be happy. You didn’t leave her, she went with you and she’s with you where ever you go, in your heart, memory and soul.
I love you, Rhonda ❤
My heart tells me that Everlee was overjoyed about last night. All of it!
It's ok to feel like that. We are all glad you came out and posed for that picture together. It's going in a frame in my house ❤
From what I hear, getting outside your comfort zone (a little bit at a time) is an approved way of dealing with anxiety. Also, you don’t need to be sociable…sometimes it’s a positive step just to be around others.
Also, don’t worry about the mask cracking and everyone seeing how broken you really are, especially not when you’re surrounded by friends. I know that’s easier said than done, but the truth is we’re all broken. I think we often use our masks to hide how broken we are because we think the world would run away if they had so much of a glance behind the mask. Honestly, when someone puts that mask down and shows their true, raw face, without all that “makeup” that they normally use, I think that’s a sign of true strength. Strength and endurance isn’t found in the construction of the mask, but in the character of the person.
I know I can’t even begin to wrap my head around what you’re going through… I’ve been reading your blog, and I know there’s nothing I can say either… But please remember where your friends are: only a phone call/DM away when you need them (“us”).