On Friday I took my Grandmother to the Cancer Center for her quarterly checkup. She goes every 3 months to make sure her Cancer is still in remission. She's always nervous going - afraid of any possible bad news. Fortunately, everything is fine! She's doing well. It's been 2 years since her last Chemotherapy Treatment.

The Cancer Center is a difficult place to be. Everyone there is literally fighting for his or her life daily. The struggle is painful in every way - physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially. You see the pain and feel the despair. The seats are always full in the waiting room. It is SO sad.

Allex was a nice way to cheer people up. While we waited, I took him around visiting folks who were getting their chemo treatments. His smiling, young face was a welcome distraction. We were there for 4 hours waiting because someone needed an emergency bone marrow test (an extremely painful procedure).

So we visited while we waited. I met a remarkable woman that I feel blessed to have met. She was very kind and really responded well to Allex. She gave me some very thoughtful and helpful tips on child rearing and training. We had a nice visit and made plans to meet for lunch in Yosemite some time.

Each time we go, it's hard. But it's also a good reminder of how precious life is. We must cherish each moment we have.