Dear AML and all your little friends.

Well well well, that was certainly smooth! I didn’t even see you coming. Up out of nowhere you eased into my life without even a peep. Sure, news of your presence was a shock for my family and myself but we didn’t dwell on it. Once we learned you were there, we took action and blasted you with the biggest bomb we could find. Didn’t feel too good, did it. Doesn’t feel good being snuck up on and attacked, does it. Too bad for you! We blasted you out and you waved the white flag immediately. Did you think we’d fall for that? Fat chance. We blasted you some more & a little more than that. Seeing the white flag wasn’t good enough. Sorry, you needed to die.

If I didn’t make it clear, I’m not crazy about being snuck up on. Unfortunately you’ve got me looking over my shoulder almost every day. You won’t sneak up on me again, I’m prepared this time. In a perfect world, I’d believe that your dead but I can’t help the nagging feeling you’re lurking somewhere. That’s ok, it’s all good. I’ve got bigger and badder weapons all lined up for when you think you’re ready to strike. Give it your best shot! I’ll take you down again, I’m not afraid.

No, I’m not afraid of you or your friends. You think you’re all big and tough with your crazy multiplying tricks and fancy vital organ locating devices. Silly cancer, don’t you know we’ve got what we need to take you out? Sure you win some of the battles but the war isn’t over and we’ve got your number. We’re learning more and more about your tactics every day. Soon you’ll surprise none and where will you be then? Give it up, you can’t win, we’re stronger and smarter.

You might as well give up now but I know you won’t. I suppose you can consider this your warning. We’re ready to fight, you won’t win.

Your worst nightmare,
Chrissy

A couple of months ago my family was hit with the news that my Aunty Carol had lung cancer. We learned slowly that not only was it stage 4 but it had metastasized to her brain. The brain tumors needed to be radiated before chemo for the lung tumors could start. By the time it was time for chemo, she just wasn’t strong enough. That was about three weeks ago. Since then she slowly (well it seemed slowly but really it was so fast) declined. A week ago Monday, the decision to start hospice care was made and that Friday she was home. Over the past week I've watched the life slowly leave from her. If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I don't think I could have comprehended just how bad it was. Lung cancer is a terrible way to go. Being a cancer survivor it might be hard for you to believe but I never really understood just how evil cancer is. Tonight, at 7:30, my Aunt Carol passed away peacefully at home. She was surrounded by her family at all times at the end and there is never a shortage of love for her. I love her deeply and have some of the fondest memories of her. I so wish she wasn’t gone but at the same time, she was so sick her passing almost seemed like a blessing. Honestly, I haven’t really absorbed the news yet. I can’t believe she’s really gone.

Today, as I stopped for a drink and reading material on my way to her house I wanted so bad to be able to buy something to give her, something to bring her joy. I sat in my car and had the obvious realization that there is NOTHING I could get her. She couldn’t move, talk or as of today, open her eyes. I realized all I could bring her is my love as I have been doing as much as I could every day. I know my love and support has helped and I know I’ll continue to bring it. This realization kinda hit home for me. All you really need is love. That’s the only thing you take with you when you die. Wow.

Hello All, There's still time to sign up for this weekends Light The Night Walk! Visit www.digikality.com/dare for more info.

Dear All,

Last week I asked all in my address book to help me raise money for the Light the Night walk in Northampton MA on September 14th. I'm sad to report that the response to that email is at 0%. Not one walker has signed up nor any donations. Now, I always feel guilty asking for donations and while I'd love to get our teams $$ numbers up there, honestly it's more important to me to have walkers. I need the support of my family and friends. PLEASE sign up! Not only is this for a good cause but it's a good time too (and lets not forget an excuse to hang with some pretty cool people).

Thank You!
Chrissy

Chillin with my boys after a Crosby Stills n Nash concert in Boston. I couldn't have picked a better bunch to go with.. I'm a lucky girl.