School for the new term has begun. My granddaughter Jessica starting her first day of Junior High (egads!) is but one of thousands whose summer has ended and who is beginning a new chapter. Apprehension, anxiety, excitement, curiosity, laughter, sometimes fear (especially when it is about algebra or is that just me?), all these emotions come into play. To all the students out there, grab this experience with gusto. To all the parents, a collective, sigh.</p><p>Express appreciation</p><p>My dear friend Pegg Eyerman recently took a bad fall in front of the post office and received a concussion as well as other injuries. Poor Pegg. Pegg is being the trooper she is, but asked me to express her appreciation to the fine staff at Memorial Hospital for their excellent care and kudos to the staff. Pegg also wants to thank her many friends who have treated her so well and came to her rescue. Pegg is much loved. Pegg had recently traveled on an Alaskan cruise with her daughter and celebrated her birthday.</p><p>More appreciation</p><p>Having dealt for just a short time with Hinds Hospice, I can say I have been truly touched by their sensitivity and skill. A big hug to Wendy, Nancy, Dave and Chris for all their care and support. </p><p>Birthday balloons</p><p>A belated happy birthday to my adopted daughter, gorgeous Helene Mitchell, and to lovely, grand lady Pauline Scoles. Grace Taylor will celebrate her big day on Aug. 28.</p><p>Anniversary bells</p><p>Happy wedding anniversary to Gary and Cindy Wulbern.</p><p>Books</p><p>Thank you to those who have dropped by the office of Analytical to make a $10 donation for a copy of my book "A Good Death" that was published a while ago. These funds are going toward Ron's mounting medical expenses and your purchase is much appreciated.</p><p>Rambling on</p><p>Warning, warning, rambling thoughts ahead in this column. Some turns of phrase may not make sense, be gentle with writer, she is impaired.</p><p>In last week's column I wrote of my friend Kathie and the overlapping stories of our lives and her and Ron's cancer. Kathie passed away the morning the column came out, a few days past her 63rd birthday. It seems as if my life has been on a rather rocky course, and I feel the fatigue one would expect. The writing of this column is very important to me, and I hope to write it for many years to come. But but right now I think I will take a short breather, even if for just a week. Hard to keep me shut up. It is just that every minute right now seems so precious that the effort of even coming into the office to write this seems misused. I am sorry that I am not able to be a better multi-tasker, although most of my life it has been one of skills. I am now very tunnel visioned, very focused, and aware of priorities. Not everyone has the luxury I have of stepping back for a while. My poor daughter Lara must deal with our office, her family, all of regular life. Plus us everyday. I am in awe of her and all the many of you who keep going. However, I can step back for a bit and just enjoy my husband, and know the world will still be here later, different, but here. </p><p>Our lives are often filled with regrets and I could haves and should haves. I sure have more than my share. We are not given the gift of hindsight, but we can learn from experience. One of my peaceful thoughts is that when my dear friend Mary Glenn was ill, I gave her full attention. When Don was still in Southern California, I just flew down and was there. It did not make the outcome different, but I was there. I will be back soon, but until then, know your reading this column and your support has made my life fuller. Know that no thing is so bad, or so good that it lasts forever. Know that each day, each moment is a miracle and as hard as some days are they are still a gift. Life is a miracle, look around you at the endless beauty, my God, it is spectacular. Each and every second you can see or talk or eat or breathe or smell or hug,( hugging is very good) is sweet. Know that you will fall sometimes. But you will get up. It will get dark, but the light will come. We are all so much stronger than we think we are, there is an inner power we do not see, but exists. We, all of us, somehow, are survivors. I know I am a very lucky woman. I have what many seek, and now I am going to go home and hug him.</p><p>So enjoy this day, talk to you soon, and until next time, may all your new be good news.