June 21, 2012...Five years ago today, I walked out of the Wimot Cancer Center having completed my sixth and final round of chemotherapy...a present in honor of my 55th birthday.

I remember, quite vividly, the morning of my first treatment.  Erin and I went about getting ready to go to the hospital with few words spoken between us.  Each of us lost in our own thoughts; keeping them to ourselves; avoiding the elephant in the room and holding our anxieties in check. Finally, I approached her without a word and enveloped her in my arms.  We both sobbed...scared by the prospect of chemotherapy...frightened by the possibility that it might no work.  Her tears were for me; for Mike; and for our kids.  My tears were for her and for the kids.

Fast forward five  years...we had high school graduations, college graduations, two weddings complete with engagement parties and showers, the birth of one grandson and another one due to arrive in December, and everything else that goes along with a life with six kids and a grandson.

It would be an understatement to say that I am grateful, but it feels presumptuous to say that I am blessed.  Regardless of the adjective, I know that I am here today by the grace of God, by the care of so many doctors and nurses, and through the love and support of so many family members, friends, and colleagues.  My enduring thanks to all of them, but especially to Erin, Elizabeth, Jessica, Ryan, Kaelan, Taylor, Meghan and Cooper.  I started this blog primarily for each of you...just in case the lease expired.