Perfect Day

One of the great gifts of a very serious illness is the instant ability it gives you to figure out what is important. This is the second time I am receiving this gift. The first time, at my diagnosis a year and a half ago, I held on to it for awhile, but as I got better and more comfortable with life as usual, I began to forget. I somehow don't think that will happen again.

Yesterday after my brain zap my family loaded itself up into our giant van, picked up some dear friends and their kids and drove to Santa Barbara where we met some more dear friends and their kids and spent the whole day on the beach. The grown ups chatted (well, truth be told, I mostly slept in the sand with my head on Bella's giant dolphin stuffed animal but that worked very well for me) and the kids played in the water and the waves with each other all day until they were completely spent.

Around 6pm the real dolphins came out and swam back and forth, right next to the beach. We were mesmerized by their grace and simplicity, and I was completely happy there with my family and friends. I'm so happy Jay was able to take this week off to be with me and help me adjust. What a blessing.