..... last day of classes.....

...... started hours ealier with the expectation of a number of students in attendance for catch up labs.  Two days worth of hours upon hours in support of the next generation of workers in the technological trades.  I will miss this very special group of students who went through this cancer journey with me.  One student lost his father at Christmas and today I hugged the stuffings out of him and let him know how proud I was of the effort he put in despite the tremendous challenge of supporting his mom and siblings while mourning the loss of his father.  He was unable to save his father when the tractor crushed him... most people would have quit school but here this young man was driving 3 hours home and back a few days a week making sure the farm was operating. 

Handshakes, hugs and best wishes from support staff, cafeteria workers, our friendly electrician Deb and my students.... would never have prepared me for the wonderful suprise from our course coordinator and dear friend John who stepped into the last formal lab to present me with a bouquet of flowers.  A long hug and exchange of words of appreciation made this a special and emotional moment for both of us.  John will always have a very special place in my heart... he is extraordinary and a true gift to all those whose lives he touches.  He has always been there for me and through his support has made it possible for me to flourish as a professor.  Such a difference coming from a previous 'job' of being micro-managed to someone who understands that allowing people to find their groove creates a truly happy and beneficial career.   I feel truly blessed being in a career that gives me so much joy.  Yesterday our Chair Vertha popped in with Joel... thank you for your kind words of support and a wonderful semester!!

I am heading into more testing on the 2nd of May with the Liver.  While the two lesions that have been treated with Proton radiation have proven to have shrunk, there is a larger shadow near the lesion just treated in the liver.  The ultrasound will be used to inspect the liver and gall bladder. I do have a feeling of fullness under the rib cage to the right and sometimes it gets uncomfortable.  There was nothing found on the CT scan with respect to anywhere else.  Fingers, toes and eyes crossed, we can solve this next step in this journey.  Yes, it is somewhat frustrating at times but I am grateful that we are keeping on top of this.  I feel good and am eating well and getting enough sleep these days and now that I am completed the semester, I will be occassionally volunteering my time and spending most of my free time creating our urban garden.  As my doctor and I agree... it is always best for me to keep busy... which for me, is never a problem!!!

I am wishing everyone a very Happy Easter.... count your blessings every day and find something nice to do for someone.  Sunday we will be having dinner over at my Mother's retirement residence.  

For my dear friend Melina, who is losing her battle.... there is not a day that goes by that you are not on my mind and in my prayers.  You have made an impact on those whose lives you have touched.  Enjoy the visit with your father who has travelled a half a world away on the generosity of so many people who have fundraised so he could spend your final days with those who know and love you best.  I wish you a safe journey into the next chapter in your soul's journey to be reunited with those loved ones who have gone before you.  I love you so much and will miss you dearly xoxoxo