HELLLLLLOOOOO SUNDAY!!


I’m starting today off in a cheery mood!   After all, I have a new name, CeCe, and I couldn’t be more excited!   The newest member of our family is doing great and although a little sleepy, the new parents are doing remarkably well.

I’ve had a few days at home to reflect on a variety of things.  I wasn’t sure what I was going to talk about today and but it hit me.  In a short period of time, a lot of things had happened!

As most of you know, I’m 61 years old.   I’ve had lots of life and I fully intend to have a lot more.   The reality is, we never know where life will take us. 

Shortly before Gabriel was born, we received the startling news from a friend who had been diagnosed with breast cancer.   She is a strong young woman (35) and has an incredible tribe and team of doctors, and she fully intends to "kick cancer's butt.  Nevertheless, it shakes you up.  

Even before that, we had been sending love and support to another young friend (Katie's age) with testicular cancer.  His surgery in the spring was successful, but in a follow up, there were lymph nodes with cancer discovered so he had a radical surgery just a few weeks ago to remove a boatload of lymph nodes in his abdomen.  This had been another worrisome piece of news.   He is in recovery and we continue to support him in this journey.

You know about my Mom and her painful struggles, and although it is not really any easier, as we age, we kind of expect to have more health issues than we do in our “youth!”  

So why am I talking like this?   Because we have to remind ourselves that we need to embrace EVERY day…despite the good, bad, and the ugly.  We don't know what tomorrow will bring. 

Before Gabriel was born, I was stressed with work.   The Gala has been re-branded and there is so much to do.   I had been struggling with many areas... new brochures, new experiences, volunteers, etc...  I was also keeping a low profile, knowing that I could get the call at any time to head to Pittsburgh.   Lots to do and only one thing that was really on my mind.

Before Gabriel was born, there were times when I would wonder where my life was headed.  There were days of lonliness and I became increasingly worried about how I would manage being with Greg when Katie went to the hospital to deliver her baby.   Could I handle spending a long period of time with him?  Afterall, I know we have both moved on, in different ways.  I often think about what could have been if we were still together.   (don't worry, I am working on this!)

Once he was born, I felt so much relief…my daughter was fine, her baby (my grandson) was fine, and our lives were good.  Our lives were blessed with the reminder that there is life...every day!   Somehow, knowing that the unknown was now, known, I was able to begin focusing on my job more.  There is stress, but it is manageable.   Now, don’t get me wrong, Gabriel is still a major distraction, but it is a good distraction.   More importantly, Greg and I did really well and for a few days, it was not about the past, but the future.   Gabriel's life had opened up the world to a new future for me.

Today, I have a calmness and a peace that I haven’t felt for a long time.   I have reminded myself that everyone has their battles, their struggles, and some are much worse than others as indicated above.  

We need to focus on the good that we do have…because believe me, we all have good, even if we have to look a little deeper to find it on some days.

Life is precious…as I was reminded when I laid eyes on the miracle that was Gabriel Alexander.   I also know that the two young people I mentioned above are finding as much joy in their daily existence as they can, despite the fear and worry that overshadow them. 

I can't do it all but I can breathe and remind myself daily that life is good and in just two short weeks, I'll be holding Gabriel and reminding him of the good life that he is about to embark upon!