Life is good <3

Things are going very well in my life. Everything is falling into place.

I've been having a blast this week with a dear friend visiting from Sweden. We've been on the go doing everything we can think of. Seeing the huge smile on his face when he got to sit on the back of an alligator at Gatorland was amazing. That's not something he gets to do back in his homeland. ;) We along with a few of my other friends had a blast playing ... ignoring the wretched heat and humidity. Chris braved an enormous snake (shaking like a leaf) just to get me and Olivia to stop calling her a wimp.

Thank you for the wonderful gift Russell!

We've played on the beach, gone to the movies (Stardust is adorable), Disney, and I'm sure the highlight of his week was sitting with me in my IV treatments... ha! But all will be lasting memories. He cooked Swedish pancakes topped with cloud berry jam and fresh whipped cream. He also baked a cake with lemon and chocolate mousse beautifully decorated with fruit on top. I am going to gain 10 pounds with him here... lol

Today Rich took him up to St. Augustine. I didn't think I could make the trip after having chemo yesterday because the heat is just unreal. But tomorrow is play time at the beach again!

My kids are enjoying his visit. They are also doing awesome in school. They seem to love their classes and are coming home with great grades so far. They are happy and so excited about things to come. Zack will be getting his license very soon, he is also seeking a job and looking forward to the opportunities that will bring. Meg shared her dreams with me and together we actively sought out the best way to fulfill them. There were so many avenues, but we researched and went for it. I am going to be a bit cryptic on the news we got because I don't want to jinx anything ... but she now has an opportunity of a lifetime. I will scream it so the world can hear once we go to our meeting. :D Cross your fingers for us!

I have two of the most mature, well balanced, bright and beautiful children a parent could ever dream of having. They are my heart and soul. They will always be first and foremost in any part of my life... even before my own needs. They have been through the ringer and had so much drama and trauma in their young lives. I will not allow them to be hurt again. It's disgusting when selfishness casts a dark cloud over their lives, but they are smart and understand it's source and have learned to live with it and not allow it to effect them. They are truly my heroes.

On another note, I am blessed to have survived stage 4 cancer since 2002 even when all odds were against me and I had no support.... only pain, loneliness and hate in my marriage. I am so fortunate to have Rich come into my life. I don't know how I would have survived this past year and a half without him. He loves me unconditionally, pampers me, my kids absolutely adore him. My daughter clings to him and my son has a great friend in him. He stood by and supported me in my pain, and also when I mistakenly thought I could mend my marriage. He sits with me during my IV treatments and the nurses all love him. He goes to my doctor appointments and sits quietly listening to what the doctor tells me. He also helps me remember things I need to talk to the doctor about (chemo brain sucks...lol) My eyes have opened and though I have always appreciated his support... I am beginning to see it through new eyes. He is absolutely amazing <3

It doesn't matter where you go in life, what you do, or how much you have.

It's who you have beside you.