This post is a little difficult for me to write without getting a bit choked up.  We just returned from an amazing weekend in Sacramento visiting family – I only wish it were under different circumstances.  My dear Aunt Sheila has been sick with breast cancer.  This is her second battle with it in the past few years, and she is in the midst of radiation treatments and planning what her next steps will be.  The cancer has spread to her spine and they are hoping to keep it at bay and not let it get any further.  But any time you hear Stage 4 Cancer, it puts a pit in your stomach, doesn’t it?  Especially because it’s far too common.

As you can see, she doesn’t look sick.  She looks fantastic, actually.  And while it was a relief, it was also a bit deceiving.  We talked about the cancer a little bit.  And tears were shed.  But mostly because we were so happy to see each other.  And mostly we just wanted to be together.  We have all been bad about keeping in touch over the years as we’ve spread out across the country and gone our own ways.  And it just makes me kick myself that it took her getting sick to reconnect.  Regardless, we had just the most blissful time.  Picked up where we left off.  Hanging out at her house, eating all kinds of goodies, reminiscing over old photo albums, going out on the town, sharing some laughs.  All of it was a much needed recharge – for us, as much as it was for her.  I was especially excited to let her meet her great nephews.

I honestly will remember this trip forever.  Yes, we came home and got right back to the daily grind, but these days, their family is all a little closer to my heart.  I’m so glad we went.

A few extra prayers & good vibes sent their way would be greatly appreciated.