Dear readers, a classic tool of all writers is the closing cliffhanger of "and that's another story." I used it at the end of my column two weeks ago when I wrote of my flight back from caring for my friend who died. I had been so anxious to land and kiss terra firma and to see my husband, Ron. My readers over the years have read a lot about my husband Ron, a man I adore beyond common sense. I felt my tired feet run down the ramp to get my luggage and to get a first glimpse of that tall southern gentleman. I was surprised when I saw my daughter, Leslie Barrow, who lives in Santa Cruz. To say that my radar was set off is obvious, but we made the long trip home to Los Ba&#241;os with Leslie listening to my stories of that very hard week in Fallbrook, and the loss of someone we so dearly loved. Finally home. Lara greeted me at the door and I walked in to see Ron sitting on the sofa, music should have flared up then, if it was a movie, but in real life there are no niceties and certainly not good timing. The night I was with Don when he died, Lara and Bryan were with Ron at emergency. I did not know then, but my life was about to spin. We have spent the past few weeks with tests and still are making the endless rounds to San Jose and Santa Clara that are reality for Kaiser patients. Ron has small cell lung cancer. Whew! That is hard to say. Cancer hits every home and has certainly hit so many of our relatives and friends that I have been a dedicated fighter against the disease for years. When it hits your spouse, as too many of you know, it is a knock out punch hard to get off the floor from. We have since learned that the cancer has spread and Ron is currently undergoing radiation and then chemotherapy. You live on hope and prayer and are battled by fear and doubt. Yes, you are angry. Yes, you feel helpless. But you ready yourself for the fight.</p><p>You lean on the love and support of others because you are wise enough to know you cannot do this alone.</p><p>I came into the office this morning before heading over the hill with Ron to the hospital to explain I may not be here for a while, but will write when I can. I wanted to wish you all a very merry and happy and healthy Christmas, and to encourage you all to treasure every moment and the gift of every day.</p><p>I also have, watch out, a message, if you are a smoker. Yes, here comes another warning. Ron began smoking 50 years ago, when he was 13. Back in North Carolina, where he was born, that was cool. Everyone smoked. Even doctors smoked. Everyone in the movies smoked. And Ron, well being Ron, was certainly going to be cool too. Smoking became part of him; drive, have a cigarette; eat, have a cigarette; have coffee, cigarette. By the time I met him he had been smoking almost 20 years. I, a non-smoker, talked with him about quitting from day one and I was not successful. Now Ron is a very strong man with great character, yet this small cigarette had tremendous power over him. His father died of throat cancer; he lit up a cigarette. My mother had lung cancer, the list is endless. Facts told us of the dangers of smoking, but the addiction continued to be the victor. His best friend, Larry Chandler, begged him to quit, his grandchildren pleaded, I, well I told him I could not live without him. How could he put himself at such risk for me? Still he smoked. Small cell lung cancer is attributed to cigarette smoking. Ron, now, thanks to a new electronic supplement, is not smoking. The goal now is breathing. Our family is having a difficult time, as many of you have had, but we can share a message. If you smoke, stop now. Seek help. There are many new options now to help you. If you are thinking of smoking, don't. You may think it looks cool or tastes good, but nothing is cooler than being alive. Reach out, get help, and as Ron would say, "For God's sake QUIT."</p><p>If you smoke, see your doctor, be aware of symptoms of lung cancer, be pro-active. This could be the fight of your life. Support the American Cancer Society for a cure and for hope.</p><p>This is the season of miracles. Our family is praying for one. We have boundless love and will use that to fuel our steps. You will all be in my thoughts while I am away.</p><p><b>December birthdays</b></p><p>Happy birthday wishes to Ann Simmons, Bill Tucker, Ginger Luce, Alfonso Muniz, Juli Rice, Lynn Martin, Richard Belgium, Cookie Rendon, Stewart Cain, Ronald Wallace, Earl Bonnenfant, Joe Rosa, Darrel Worthy, Dennis Morris, Roy Leschinskey, Robin Depew, Jesus O Murillo, Kristopher Hew, Sherry Pearson, and my wonderful Gina Woitas.</p><p><b>December anniversaries</b></p><p>Happy wedding anniversaries to Roland and Helen Brubaker, and Hans and Susan Younce.</p><p>Kim Enos says she married her best friend on December 29, 1984 and that he still makes her laugh and smile every day. Sounds like love to me. Happy 25th wedding anniversary to Paul and Kim Enos. </p><p>On December 25 I had my daughter Leslie Joy. On December 20 she had her son, Jake. December has been good to us. I hope this December will be good to you. For those of you whom I will not be able to cover your events for a while, I am sorry, but my place is with Ron, my knight in shining armor as we head off to battle. Merry Christmas and until next time, may all your new be good news....and thank you Lara for everything. </p><p>P.S. We know that some loyal readers may want to respond, please direct all requests for help through the office with Lara at 827-0667.