10 things Amy Aldridge can't live without ...

Amy Aldridge laughs easily, loves music as a goofball and hates cold weather.

Amy and her husband Shannon also experienced the most devasting thing a parent can face: the loss of a child. Sahara Aldridge passsed away on Nov. 5, 2007, from a brainstem glioma, a malignant brain tumor with no cure, when she was 13 years old.

"Our lives ebb and flow as the years pass," Amy says. "Our little son, Nash, brought light to what was darkness, and we once more know the joy of hearing the words 'mom' and 'dad.' In spite of all our family has been through, we still count ourselves as blessed. Weathered from struggle, but blessed."

Here, 10 things she can't live without:

1: The people who love me and put up with me in spite of myself. My husband, Shannon; my son, Nash; my family and my amazing friends who stand by me unconditionally are the most important folks in my life. Without them, I'd never have made it this far. When our daughter, Sahara, was sick, I had the most spectacular support system; after we lost her, they all helped me survive ... and that continues into my life today. No matter what kind of crazy notion I choose to pursue, they are there for me.

2. Music ... especially '80s music. Ahhh, the '80s. I'm so lucky to have come of age in such a great decade for music. The soundtrack to my childhood still makes me happy. Journey, Cheap Trick (my son's middle name is Zander), Rick Springfield, Joan Jett, Crowded House, INXS, Hall & Oates, The Fixx, Def Leppard, REO Speedwagon -- some of the best music ever. Thanks to Pandora radio, I can listen to my beloved tunes anytime.

3. Summertime. Anyone who knows me is well aware that I absolutely detest winter. Give me sunshine and warm days, please! My favorite way to spend a summer afternoon is floating in the pool, soaking up the rays, cold beverage in hand, great music playing, with burgers smokin' on the grill. For me, life doesn't get much better than that!

4. Mexican food. I'm pretty sure I could exist on a regular diet of fajitas, chips and salsa. Nom, nom, nom.

5. Sweet tea. I don't think I could survive without my delicious drink of choice. I prefer McDonald's sweet tea, but as long as it's fresh-brewed and so sweet it makes my teeth hurt a little, it's all good.

6. Laughter. I have always been one to find the humor in just about any situation. What is life without laughter? I laugh when it's inappropriate. I laugh when things get too serious. I easily fall into crying hysterics if I get really tickled about something. I hope I never lose the ability to poke fun at myself -- or at you, if you insist on wearing those ridiculous pants.

7. Coffee. Whether it's grabbing a cup on the go from my beloved Keurig, or languishing over a rich white chocolate mocha, I do love my coffee, oh, yes, I do.

8. My cookbook collection. I have always collected cookbooks during my travels to different parts of the country, and have received many as gifts over the years. I love them because they bring back good memories of their origins, and because it still feels good to actually open a printed book to find a favorite recipe. Pinterest is fabulous, but it can't compare to the chocolate-spattered pages that have accompanied me through my adventures in the kitchen.

9. My iPhone. I admit it: I am addicted to my iPhone. I depend on it for so many things, and I feel absolutely lost if I'm without it for any period of time. I love being connected to the world with a device in the palm of my hand. It's my organizer, my camera, my Internet connection, oh, and it makes calls, too. Genius.

10. My photographs. Even as a child, I was always the one snapping pictures. My first camera was a little Kodak 110 that I carried with me just about everywhere I went. My photos are my little treasures; precious moments in time captured on glossy pieces of paper. So often now, we store our photos online and forget about them, never printing them or putting them in albums. I think we should be more diligent about preserving the images of our existence in a more tangible form. What would I do without the photographs of my beautiful daughter? I can't even imagine. My photos tell the story of my life. I hope to instill the appreciation of good photography in my son, as well.