September 11, 2008

I don't think that too many American's will ever forget 9/11/2001. Exactly where they where when...it happened. I was on my way to school running seriously late...damn traffic on I-70. and just as I was parking my car. I heard a radio announcement an airplane had flown into the world's trade center. I didn't think too much about it... so little that I hurried into class, and sat by my friends Shelly and Jean just like usual and whispered to Jean the news I had heard before I came into class. Then after class was over one of our professors came down to the classroom... Washington University's P.T. school classrooms are all in the basement. They announced that the second plane had hit the world trade center and there was concern that this was a teroist act. That was the first time that thought even crossed my mind. I never would have even dreamed about a terrorist act. I had assumed it was a horrible accident. Soon everyone in class was talking about it. Our school had planned to continue classes and did so untill after lunch... there was lots of rumors during every break in class. I remeber it was Jean's Birthday... Happy Birthday Jean. We had a little cake and such for her. It wasn't much of a celebration. One student in our class was from NYC and her brother worked in the World trade Center. She stayed at school... but spent much of her time trying to find out what happed to her brother. They dismissed class right after lunch. I drove the 44 miles home and watched the news for the rest of the day. That night I gave Laurabeth a big hug. (I was a live in for her she is a girl with severe autism) Today, at worked totally sucked if it could go wrong it did. The kind of day that kept me on edge. But once I came home and Edgar got home... I felt a lot better. just because I feel safe, and at the moment 7 years later... secure. It made us all want family and brought us back to what matters.

I don't know if the war in Iraq is right or wrong. I don't know who to vote for in the upcomming election. I hate war... but know that it can be a nessasary evil sometimes too. I am greatful for everyone who is a hero. And I think you are all hero's in one way or another.

God bless us all tonight.

bless us with unity, and a great understanding of one another. Although our differances are profound...help us to see the light shining from one another. Keep us safe and well and secure.

May God bless our world.

Beyond the Cure....

Taking on Life: During Treatment and Beyond the Cure

September 06, 2008 The Hyatt Regency St. Louis Riverfront Hotel St. Louis, MO

This conference focuses on issues and concerns experienced during childhood cancer treatment and beyond the cure. Medical professionals and families will have the opportunity to learn about the latest research and best approaches for survivorship and wellness. Parents of children with cancer, survivors age 14 and up and health care professionals are invited to attend the conference.

Guest faculty: Paul Nathan, MD,MSc,FRCPC Staff Oncologist, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada Associate Scientist, Research Institute: Child Evaluative SciencesAssistant Professor of Pediatrics and Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto

Greg Pacini, MS,LPC,CGPLicensed Professional CounselorAuthor of "Journey Beyond Diagnosis"

Rebecca Katz, MSChef and Cookbook author of "One Bit at a Time"

Brenda Witte, MSPT and Amy Downes Westfall, OTD,OTR/L St. Louis Children's Hospital

I had to boast for a second. I presented at this confrence today. I was the only person who presented who wasn't a pubished author. I thought Amy, my co presenter wasn't either... but she told me today that her research for her doctorate degree just got accepted for publication. Leaveing me the only unpublished speaker!!!! It was really cool and felt like a huge honor to speak in such company. All the speakers where very dynamic and interesting. And I think our presentation was as well. We had lots of fun slides and an activity session. Guess I better get busy planning that research or writting that book.

I have to admit it was the first time I have worn a skirt in quite a while. Pantyhose are weird! can anyone really ever get them totally straight?

Edgar is out "camping" in military TLF with his boys... He called this morning to tell me his phone wasn't working it got wet... because he fell in the river while fishing! Sounds like fun to me.