Well, 2010 has been my first full year without Craig by my side.  I have experience all of the holidays, birthdays, weddings and funerals throughout this past year....and I survived!!  God knows if I could have MY way I would reverse the clock to pre 1998 before cancer entered my life and just restart my life from there, but I can't and I have to move on and I am.....doing the best that I can.

 Emily and Kyle were in from Wisconsin with their dog Hazel.  It was a beautiful white Christmas and we recalled fun memories about past Christmas's and the funny things that Craig use to do that made us laugh.  I was happy they we able to stay for about 9 days!!   We saw a lot of each other and Emily and I had mother and daughter time too...the best gift of all.

For all of you that know me well...my tree was down and Christmas was over on December 27.  Emily and Kyle had my tree taken down and then helped me with the rest of the decoration before they left.  This was a huge help!

It was hard for me to say goodbye when they drove off.  We have always had another trip planned to see each other, but not this time.  I know it will not be long, it just not knowing for sure when the next time will be.  We talk often, but it just isn't the same as a hug.  I miss having her here....

2011....

Wanting to continue to grow and get stronger.  That is what I want for me.  I NEED that for myself.  People ask me why I don't move back to Michigan.  My answer is that I have family in Michigan that may retire soon and I am afraid they will move and leave me there!!  Here I have friends that love me and are like family and treat me like family, so I don't want to move.

I am going to go to Aruba in March...yippee. My siblings and their spouses are going with me.  I can't wait.  I can't tell you the last time we have all gotten together for something just fun with no outside agenda.  I think we will have a blast.

June will be another Meso symposium in Washington DC.  You can count on me being there! I will continue to be a voice for those who can no longer speak.  I also like to see everyone come together, it is like a little reunion, although it is sad too. Continuing to raise funds for Craig's Grant is very important to me.  There is very strong talk about a Quartermania in May.  Further information about that will be forthcoming.  Thanks again for all those that contributed in 2010!!  (link at top on page for those that still want to)    you know me I will always ask 

May all of you have a healthy, happy 2011.

BELIEVING

Shelly