"It is health that is real wealth, and not gold or silver" (--Mahatma Gandhi)

I am happy because yesterday was my sister Claudia's last day of chemo treatments.

She's been through a lot this year, and while she still has a good bit ahead to deal with, at least she doesn't have to go through any more chemotherapy. I woke up yesterday with her on my mind, and I woke up smiling today, thinking that she can be optimistic, knowing that this difficult period has passed and SHE DID IT!

My dad is doing pretty well right now, too. He's had quite a struggle after open heart surgery several months ago, and several procedures after that. He's finally feeling pretty well; still some weakness, but overall much better. For both my dad and my sister, I think there's a bit of the "new normal."

I wake up every day realizing how fortunate I am, and for the first real time in my life, really feeling grateful for my own health. I know everyone always says it, but it has really rung true for me this year that if you have your health, you have everything.

Monday starts our Orientation week for new students. Last week was pre-Orientation, and most of them have already arrived, but Monday it's official. It's really busy, but I always enjoy seeing the students return.

I took Joe to the airport the other day before the crack of dawn. The night before, he had put beautiful flowers all over the place, (which is what he always does when I return from my trips each time in the fall.) I commented on them, and he said, "Well, I don't want you to forget about me while I'm gone!"

Gotta' love it.
Happy weekend, all!