How do you prepare?

I can't think of a single time in my life when I was at a loss for words, until now.

I called Aralyn's Neurosurgeon, Dr. Weprin, today. I wanted to make sure I understood everything he had told me Wednesday and I had two questions to ask. I knew the answers, but I prayed that he would give me something different. My first question was, "Is Aralyn terminal?". His answer was simple. "Yes." The second question I asked should never come out of a parent's mouth. It just shouldn't. "How long does she have?" His response was, "Whitney, I try my best to distance myself from my patients. Your daughter has pushed passed that and found a place in my heart. I can't give you an exact date and time, but you need to enjoy her while you can. I suggest you start planning. She is here now so live like she is, but prepare yourself for when she's not. Make the necessary arrangements. It's going to be difficult but it has to be done."

My heart hurts.

How do I prepare? There's no class for it. There is "Breastfeeding for New Moms", "Diaper Changing For Dummies" but no "How To Prepare For Your Child's Death 101".

This picture always makes me smile. :)