Happy Birthday Barbara!

I really miss my sister today. Happy Birthday Barbara. I know you are more alive and happier than you've ever been, but I'm selfish and I miss you. You were one of my biggest cheerleaders and best friends, and I really want to talk to you. I think about how you were there for me during my first round with cancer, and I know you'd be here for me now. Since I need to talk to you, I'm going to write this as a letter.

Mama's birthday was Saturday. 95! We were able to give her a small, fairly impromptu birthday party. She was so happy about it! Michael, Belinda, Carolyn, Lori, me, Neal, Rachel, Alice (her favorite caregiver at the assisted living), Jean, and Eual were all able to be there. (Eual is Jean's new husband. Bobby passed away years ago, which I'm sure you know since you've probably seen him!) We didn't give her much, since she moved to the nursing home last month and doesn't have much room. I gave her a calendar, hoping someone could mark the days off for her so she could keep up with what day it is. That's really challenging for her now because she spends most of her time in her room.

I'm not having a very good day. I felt ok earlier, but then I received a call from US Bioservices (my specialty pharmacy from which I receive my chemo). They said my insurance company was not going to cover my Xeloda this month. They've been covering it for over a year now, so I don't know what's going on with that. I contacted my doctor. Hopefully, she can call someone and get it straightened out. Since that phone call, I've developed quite a headache. Hmm...Coincidence? I know, no such thing!

Your children have practically grown up! Heather is 17 and a senior now, and Justin is a junior and about to be 17. I've told them about some or our shenanigans when we were younger. They love hearing stories about their Mom. I hope you don't mind. If you do, you can fuss at me when I get there. :-)

You'd be so proud of David and Rachel. David is working at Teledyne Brown, is married, and has a daughter! Can you believe that?! I'm a grandmother! Rachel is a social worker with the Jackson County DHR. Oh the stories I've heard! She knows her limits though. She never shares any names. :-)

I feel better already. I love you Barbara. Until we meet again!