Dear Family, Friends, and Strangers who have reached out,

     The outpour of love and support my family has received is astonishing.  It's very powerful to know that prayers are being said
for me all over the world. When I visualize getting better one of the things I do is "wrap" your prayers, well wishes and words of
encouragement around me.

I haven't dwelled too much in the "why me?" Earlier this week, I met with my nutritionist, Leslie (who is also a breast cancer
survivor).  She is a beautiful person inside and out. She explained to me that when she went through treatment she approached
it spiritually, mentally, medically, nutritionally,  and physically. Which is exactly what I'm going to do. My mom was with me at this
meeting and we both like what she said about the spiritually aspect. God has a plan. I hope his plan is for me to live a long life
so I can be Genevieve and Ava's mommy, Ric's wife, and family and friend to so many.  Getting angry at God and asking, "Why
me?" isn't going to help. So I started thinking, what could his plan be? Maybe I'm the reminder that life is delicate and can
change at the drop of a hat. In the last few weeks, I've fill out many medical forms. One in particular, has numerous questions
ranging from heart disease, headaches, to stubbed toes. I said to Ric, "My goodness, there are certainly many things that can
go wrong with our bodies!"  We'll never forget that Friday night phone call that flipped my world upside down and made my life
flash before me eyes. Maybe I'm the reminder to enjoy the todays instead of always looking for the next best thing in the
tomorrows. I can tell you that I truly wasn't taking my life for granted. I love playing spending time with my girls and Ric. For
those of you who know Ric and for those of you who are getting to know him though the updates he writes, you know he is
funny, witty, and so loving. I also loved my job teaching at Blossom Hill School. We have our home. But most importantly I have
my family and such a great bunch of friends near and far. Maybe I'm the reminder to enjoy the simple things. Two days ago, I
had no appointments and I got to drop off and pick up Genevieve and Ava from day camp. To see them go off so happily filled
my heart. We also spent a couple of hours at the pools and to hear their squeals and giggles filled my heart. Yesterday, I woke
up early. The sun was shining and the birds were singing. I brought my cup of tea outside and spent the next hour working in
my garden. Our lives are so busy and we are constantly on the go. Sometime during the day "Stop and smell the roses" and
enjoy the little things life offers you. Maybe I'm the reminder to let bygones be by gones. Life is too short and precious to carry
anger and resentment toward yourself and/or others. Be kind to yourself and others. If you've made mistakes...forgive yourself. If
others have made mistakes...forgive them. I know too many people who aren't speaking to each other. I know they're hurting
and their families are hurting. LET IT GO! Don't dwell on the past, but look into the future.

Enough of my deep thoughts for now. Many of you have asked, "How are you?" I'm  good. The cancer is in many places in my
body, but I still have a lot of energy and no pain. Maybe that's what makes this so "unreal". Aside from a cough here and there
and some shortness of breath when I over exert myself, I feel really good. I did my first round of radiation on my brain yesterday
and will finish that next week.  I will begin chemo next week or the following week. To help with this fight, I have revamped my
diet and am now a 100% non-drinking vegan. Wow, that's a change for someone who loves pepperoni pizza and a good glass
(or 2) of cabernet wine! If you have any tasty organic, vegan recipes send them our way.

Again, thank you for your love, prayers, support, donations, and words of encouragement. One of my highlights during the day is
to read your beautiful messages.

Love,
Heide
A Boost for everyone's Spirituality