Well It Is Thanksgiving- A Wonderful American Tradition.

A year ago I learned I had Breast Cancer and now I am through that. Some remaining telltale signs have been left behind by my surgeon's scalpel and chemotherapy's hair curling effects.  I also take a new medication to suppress my estrogen production.

However, Breast Cancer will not be what I think of when I think of 2016. It is the year I turned 60 and went on a fabulous cruise with my daughter and her boyfriend Brian to 8 different islands in the Caribbean. It is the year that I brought school supplies to over 25 kids in St. Lucia with the help of my family and friends and Spencer Ambrose. It is the year that Madison moved to Philadelphia with Brian and their dog Mya into Grace Kelly's former catholic school which was converted into beautiful apartments in East Falls. It is the year that Craig got a cat after he dealt with the passing of his 2 dogs and Art had heart surgery and is now well and strong. Bari and Gary said so long to their eldest as she went off to college. This year, Michael ended his sentence and got to come home and Uncle David moved into a nursing home. It is the year that Rhona, Janet and I pretended to go hiking at Rickets Glen after driving on "Old Bernice Road" and "New Bernice Road". Also this year, Janet and I drove to Knoxville Tennessee to see Jackie and Jay and then stayed in luxury at the Homestead to soak in the Jefferson pools. Patrice and I shared cancer together along with the knowledge of just how big our hearts are to love each other forever and ever, not just as mature women but the goofy school girls we are at heart. My college girl friends and I renewed our love, acceptance and commitment to one another.  Harold became a grandfather as he prepares for his mother to turn 100 this year. The death of his nephew Matt will sting the most of all the horrendous events I experienced in my life. A new social worker was hired at NJISA and David Libon returned to us in the last 12 months. Emie and Dan moved to Maryland and became pregnant.  In 2016, Charlie found himself without a job and considered retiring prematurely. Our family continues to struggle with other issues and come through them stronger and wiser- some of us feel the fear and with effort, shake it off, some continue to grieve and others show empathy for how powerless we can sometimes be on life's stage. Yet, it is our gratitude that fills the air on a daily basis. I am blessed not to be left out or left alone. I am grateful that I finally know what love is and what matters most. 2016 is the year I am at peace with who I am and my life.  And I wish the same, if not better, for all of you.