I have two studio apartments on my property and have had the most remarkable people as *neighbors*. Last summer I had an Episcopal Priest, a doctor, and then my lawyer son visited. I joked that I had everything covered. After the doctor moved out, an amazing woman who works for hospice moved in. I had the Scooby Doo thought of, "Rut-Roh."

Anyway, this delightful woman is leaving - like others, she hopes to return someday. In an odd and wonderful way, we all become a family with boundaries. It works very well. The following is an email she sent this evening. After trudging through the WORST EVER Thanksgiving weekend of my entire life, this made me feel like a million buck-a-roos.

Reenie: You are so kind. I confess I am sorry to be leaving without having a chance to get to know you better. I will tell you this though - after hearing you last weekend on the treadmill you have been an inspiration to me. All this week when I wanted to give in to the pain in my body and whine about not being able to work like I once did, I would then think of you pressing on in the face of a life threatening condition. In all the years I have worked with people facing a disease that could take their life I have not met anyone with the determination and will to carry on with life like I see in you. But I imagine most of us will face death as we have faced life. And I could tell from the moment I met you that you squeeze every ounce of life you can from each day. I don't know if I will see you this weekend, but if I don't, I hope your love of life will carry you through and beyond this challenge.

My life abounds with so many gracious and generous people. I am one lucky woman.