I had a friend, Freda, who would often send me a note with that line and perhaps a few other words, but the amount of news is not what mattered. What mattered so much to me was that she had stopped from her busy life just to think of me. It made me feel warm, and special. So dear reader, comes this column to you to say Happy New Year, hope you are fine, enjoying the rain, and that sunshine has come your way.</p><p>It seems a life time ago I wrote my Christmas column, so as we are approaching the day of hearts, I decided to keep you up to date as the community has been so supportive with thoughts, prayers and cards for Ron. Ron just finished his second round of chemo after 10 days of radiation that began his regiment. </p><p>Ron had complications due to the radiation, and after one trip to emergency the second crisis had him admitted for a week in the hospital in San Jose, part of it in isolation. </p><p>Poor Lara has had to run a business, active family and support me all at the same time. Our cars have put on so many extra miles they deserve gold stars. But as any family who has dealt with cancer, it's all part of the game. </p><p>As you sit in infusion rooms surrounded by others whose hope is also tied to the magical potion dripping into their veins, you know each family has a story all its own. They are their young and old, married and single, hopeful and depressed tied together by disease that crept into their life one night and changed not only their lives, but of all of those who love them. </p><p>You learn the true value of a gentle nurse's kind word, the sweetness of your child's hug, the pain of seeing your loved one lost in a medical world they do not want to be in. You treasure the world before and are apprehensive about the world after.</p><p>While I am still 'on stand down' as Ron's full time buddy, I still care about all of you and what is happening in our incredible community so...</p><p>Valentine pies</p><p>Each year the Kiwanis give us an opportunity to fulfill our sweet tooth cravings with a delicious Marie Callender pie and there is still time, if you hurry, to order. The Kiwanis really do so much for the community and this is a great way to help them with their endeavors. </p><p>You can chose from apple, apple lite, berry, blueberry, cherry, lemon meringue, chocolate cream, coconut cream, banana cream, French apple, razzleberry, razzleberry lite, peach, pecan or pumpkin for just $11 each. Prepaid orders must be made by Feb. 6 and they will be available for pick up on Feb. 12 at the Miller & Lux Building from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information call Jim Valentine 826-5181, David 826-3633 or Pat at 826-7980. </p><p>Sorry I missed those January birthdays</p><p>Gina, sorry I had no column last month but hope this is ok, "Happy 23rd birthday to Ashley, the best daughter any parents could ask for. We were blessed the day God gave you to us. We love you to the moon and back, Love Mom and Dad"(Gina and Glen Woitas).</p><p>Belated happy 101 to amazing Josephine Leos, what a grand lady!</p><p>Also belated, but very happy birthday wishes to my beautiful adopted sis, Donna Morris and good friend Becky Ferreira. I owe both of you lunch.</p><p>February birthday balloons</p><p>A very special happy birthday to three friends who have proven to me what great friends they are, over and over, God bless them, Lou Vierra, Sandy Lemas, and Rhoda Garcia. They have been dear friends for many years. But you truly learn who your friends are when times are tough, and times have been tough. You three ladies rock and have earned my eternal gratitude.</p><p>Happy birthday to Diane Cayton, Robert Erreca, Ernie Sagesser, Westley Boardmen, John Ferreira, Joel Whitehurst, Joe Rosa, Irvin Baptist, Joseph Mello, Robert Brinton, Norma Peugh, Tim Raley, Chris Foxworthy, Jim Jones, Cody Mitchell and Dorothy Mitchell.</p><p>Thoughts and concerns</p><p>Sorry to hear that our Miss Los Ba&#241;os herself, Tesse Mazzina, fell and broke her hip, but happy to hear she is on her way to what I'm sure will be a speedy and complete recovery.</p><p>Cancer survivor breakfast</p><p>Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society are hosting a Survivor Breakfast that will be held at the United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall on Feb. 20 from 7-11 a.m. Survivors and their guests are free, and all other friends are only $5. Proceeds will be given to the American Cancer Society. For more information call Peggy Oliver 489-0674 or Sandra Mello Salazar 769-4427. The American Cancer Society is a terrific organization I have long supported, and now have learned to appreciate all the more.</p><p>Team Duke</p><p>Ever hear that term? Neither had Ron or I until recently. It is a Foundation for Cancer Research founded by the family of the famous actor John Wayne who died of cancer after a long hard battle. This foundation sponsors many local events and helps put community dollars to work fighting cancer. Several things are in the works and I will keep you informed. Ron and our family (especially his granddaughter Jessica) are very excited to believe we can help others with the call for more research. For instance, small cell cancer, which Ron has, has no medical trials even going right now because there are not enough research dollars.</p><p>Tender hearted</p><p>At Kaiser San Jose the nurses have a nickname for Ron's oncologist, Tenderheart, referring to his tender heartedness and kindness with each patient and family member. What a nice way to be thought of. Perhaps it is the stark contrast between the coldness of reality and the warmth of care and hope. I have always believed in giving of ones self to others, of trying to say an extra kind word here and there, now I have learned first hand the value such small gestures can have, thank you all who have been tender hearted to Ron and me, and until next time, may all your news be good news.