Linda:
I hope your DD is doing OK for now; it will hit her again later and again. The end of my freshman year in high school we lost 6 students on graduation night--five in the same stupid drunk driving accident and one who drank an entire bottle of whiskey and curled up in a ball and fell asleep dying from alcohol poisoning. We lost two students two years ago from partying incidents; despite convictions of the people responsible for given the girls the drugs and alcohol, the pain is still very real and impacts teachers and students. The rash of cop killings in our area hasn't helped either...one of our students lost her father when four were shot in a coffee shop. All I can say that when she wants to talk, encourage her to do so. If she and friends want to start an organization or a drive to put on a safe after prom or graduation party for others, do what you can to support her in it. The kids who are empowered to take some kind of action seem to deal best with the bad situation. While prayers, I believe, do help in the short term, I've always been a bigger believer that the good Lord helps those who take action helping themselves and others. In the long run, knowing you are doing something to make a change is the best way to heal.
Still, I'm proud of you for managing the stress and still taking off the weight! You're very inspiring. I sure wish I could manage my life and build in that time to exercise like you do...I'm trying--I know if you can do it, I should be able to also. So, please, keep up the fantastic work.
Laurie
I'm so sorry to hear about your DD's friend. 
How is your DD doing? Our thoughts and prayers go out to her friend's family and friends.
I hope the new sneakers work out for you. 
