A double helping of thanksgiving, goodwill towards all......and happy new year

Here's the thing. I like blogging. I really do. I write a blog posting a day. In my head. And they are always witty and wise and the whole thing. Then I tell a couple of people the stories I was thinking of blogging, and I feel done. But, there are a few that have been floating around in my head, oh say since Canadian Thanksgiving (Columbus Day for some of you).

On that great day of thanksgiving, I had my yearly appointment with my surgical oncologist. He told me that unless I had any unusual signs or symptoms, I never have to see him again!!!!!!!!!! Of course I am able to conjure up at least 4 unusual signs or symptoms per day, but since I am easily distracted they go away pretty fast. I still see my dermatologist regularly and he still has the big note at the front of the file that says stage II melanoma, and I will never be completely out of the woods BUT I do think about the future again. And that is a good thing.

Around the next great day of thanksgiving (that's the American one), Simon made the 'r' sound for real. As is capital R real. He has been working with the speech therapist at school since kindergarten. And yes I was thankful. He has worked so hard. And it was such a beautiful sound - like music. And I thought - this is better than being told I don't have to go to the oncologist anymore. This is what I want to think about and celebrate, this is what I want to matter most of all.

Next date, Christmas. And yes, my cards are still sitting on my counter - labeled and waiting for stamps. You will get them. Before Valentine's Day. I promise. Maybe. Eric spent the holidays writing grants. The state of grant funding is a New York Times editorial of its own. Regardless we had a great time. Fun with neighbours reliving the 80's and apple products for all.

And so it is a new year. And it will be a good one for us. Because today we have our health, our happiness and each other. And that is what matters most of all.

(And my lack of mentioning Sophie means nothing - she is equally as wonderfully fantastic as her brother.)