#5 - “A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles.”

What a wonderful quote by Tim Cahill.  It really sums up what I wanted to write about today.  This past year has been a difficult one...but, as I have mentioned before, it has also been filled with blessings.

The number of people that have written, called, emailed, texted, come by to visit, and helped out in one way or another has been overwhelming and appreciated.  I think of friends that have passed away, and how sad we have been to have not seen them enough, or not "been there" for them.  Those thoughts make this attention oh so much more meaningful as I am here to experience it.

We have had friends and family from California, Oregon, Florida, Eastern Washington, as well as locals come to stay, cook, clean and just visit.  It has been a great help to Bill -- and wonderful for me.  Last week one of my oldest friends (my college roommate Cherie) said, "We love you."  The great thing about that sentiment is that I KNOW!  I can feel the love.  In every visit, hug, joke, meal, conversation.  In every load of dishes that someone does, or load of laundry.  Honestly, I have never felt so loved and so lucky.  How lucky to have friends and family that aren't afraid to face this tough diagnosis with me and my family.  How lucky to have them show me when I am still here to appreciate it.

What a wonderful gift and example to my children, too.  To see when the going gets tough, you don't turn away, but pitch in and make the best of things.  The most valuable thing we have to give is our time and attention -- things that are in great demand in our lives.  What I can tell you from experience is that even the smallest gesture is welcome to people who are struggling.

I even received a banner from Tumwater Middle School, signed by many of my former staff members and students.  I just love it.  I really miss the students -- miss being a teacher.  That was a wonderful and fulfilling chapter in my life--filled with wonderful people that were not only teaching, but learning every single day.  I know I learned as much from my students as I did from the teachers!  I never had a student I did not care about -- every single one was "my" student, part of my family--no matter how difficult they wanted to make it.

If my life journey is "best measured in friends", then I am indeed blessed with a rich, enjoyable, and entertaining journey ahead.  Thank you for joining me.