It's good to be loved!

It's funny how a social-media tool like Facebook can totally change - or in my case, save - your life. Last fall, after being diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer and not getting the best treatment locally, an old friend of mine reached out to help. We knew each other back in junior high and high school, but lost touch afterward that. Then, we reconnected via Facebook. Without her help, love and friendship, my path to recovery might have been so much worse.

Not only was I blessed to reconnect with this amazing woman, but I have been blessed by now being a part of her life and the lives of her two incredibly sweet and special children, Aubrey and Brayden. They first met me when I had all my hair, but even during the visits with them when I showed up bald, they loved me. They weren't afraid, just more curious. (Sweet Aubrey was incredibly curious about my surgery scars mostly). As you can see from this photo their mom took while I cuddled with the kids, I am thoroughly content having them in my arms and nearby. I love visiting them and am grateful to forever be a part of their lives. How truly blessed I am for Ann-Christel's generosity, compassion and friendship.

My happy place ...

So while I hate photos of myself, I feel inclined to post this one. In June, I spent a week in Utah with both my sisters and five of my eight nieces and nephews. What a joyous week it was for me ... I was surrounded by the loves of my life. Granted, having that many people (kids) in one house and having just finished my chemotherapy a few months before and surgery just one month before, I tend to still get tired quite easily and often. I would use any opportunity to catch 40-winks. So, here I sat, just trying to nap quietly, when out of nowhere I start seeing flashes of light. My sister, Cheryl, had the camera pointed at me and I couldn't figure out why she'd want a photo of me napping. Until I saw and felt my sweet four year old nephew, Carson, curled up next to me. Yeah, I was in my happy place.