Embrace the truth that life is difficult and the corolllary that small gestures make it much easier.

the doorbell rang, so I answered it and I had three ladies on my porch singing a Christmas carol to me! My dear friend, Melissa and her two daughters brought me some home-made bread and hugs and good wishes for a speedy recovery. I enjoyed visiting with them so much. Thanks girls!

When we got home from Los Angeles, we walked in the house and discovered a Christmas tree, fully decorated, waiting for our arrival. What a kind and loving gift from our son! We also had a lovely bouquet of gorgeous white flowers and a huge poinsettia to greet us. Absolutely lovely!

“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning how to dance in the rain.”

taken from email sent to me by Marianne

has been a godsend to me. I don’t know what I would do without the daily kindnesses of people there who take the time to answer questions and give support and kindness. This process is not easy, but sooooo much easier because of caring people!

Thanks to everyone for your wonderful birthday cheers. Life is easier because of my 43 things friends!

told me she wants to go to LA and be with me for my surgery. I had to fight back the tears. Nothing could mean more to me!

because there is a balance to all things. We have such difficult things to deal with in life, but oh, how sweet when someone reaches out to touch our hearts with a small gesture, or a kind word. As much as I need a place to vent my frustrations over all that is going on, I also want to remember how lucky I am to have people in my life who care about me and who support me.

of my father in law’s death.
He meant so much to me. I miss him.
I was so lucky to be in his presence when he left his body. That was special to me, to be there, to have him know I cared and wanted to be with him at that moment.
He will be a resource in the coming months.
I will draw on his courage and caring attitude.

difficult to do, then I will abandon them. Until then, I allow myself the luxury of my old routines, being with friends, getting exercise and getting lost in the doing of everyday endeavors. I do not need to re-prioritize yet, so I can make things easier on myself by simply sticking to the routines I have in place.

is causing me greater difficulty than the problems themselves. I must learn to accept what is and allow it to teach me whatever it will in the process. Fighting will only make it harder. This is a process where the only way out is through. Yes, I wish it were not mine to deal with. OH WELL! It is.