Today is my "second" birthday. My first one was a couple weeks ago. Four years ago today, I had a stem cell transplant. For those of us who have undergone this procedure, a stem cell transplant is considered your second birthday because your original stem cells are unfrozen and reintroduced to you after most of the cancerous ones have been destroyed through chemotherapy and radiation. You start life over with a new set of cells. A re-birth. Without Tim watching over and taking care of me -- not only for the weeks and months leading up to the transplant, but for over a year afterwards -- I might not have made it through.

This time of year is filled with several poignant dates for me. Not only my first and second birthdays, but two days ago would have been Tim and my 41st Anniversary. Then, a year ago on Thanksgiving (also my first birthday), Dad died. I've been so well taken care of by my friends and family near and far who have buoyed me through what might have been a dark time. Some might think it was unfortunate that Dad died on my birthday. But, there's something cyclical about his dying on the day he (and mom, of course) gave me birth. So, this year on my birthday and the first anniversary of his death, I could celebrate with some wonderful memories of my Dad.

The photo above is a shot of my back yard -- not during holiday time but last April. However, this will give you a sense of what my place looks like even before it's decorated for the holidays. Tim always loved the fact that I added even more lights inside and outside our house during holiday time. This year was no different. Unfortunately, once again because of Delta and now Omicron, I've had to limit folks coming over to the house. Last year, I posted a link to my holiday decorations to provide a virtual tour. For those of you who haven't seen it or are new to this blog, here's the link from last year. Things are pretty much the same this year. Well, nearly the same. I have to have some outlet for my creative juices and my need to decorate!

https://www.flickr.com/gp/182268639@N08/K8wF4S

Unfortunately, the pandemic is still lurking out there. Even though I've had not only two Moderna shots, but a third one. It wasn't just a booster shot, but a full dose of Moderna. I got this third shot a little before booster shots were formally approved. My docs felt that, because of my compromised immune system, I should get the full dose not just a booster. All that went relatively well, and I was feeling more confident about getting out more to restaurants, museums, shows and even travelling. But, then Delta is surging again, and Omicron is – who knows exactly at this point.

I find it easy to forget that I still have cancer which, fortunately, is in remission. I haven't had my labs check for several months now. It's a combination of not wanting to risk going into the hospital for lab tests, but also some reluctance to find out if I'm really doing as well as I think I am. That said, my previous lab tests were so good that my docs felt I could postpone getting tested at least for a few months. I guess my infrequent blogging is an indication that I'm doing well, keeping very active and enjoying life. I do wish I could socialize more as well as travel. But, I realize that because of my age and my cancer, I’m at high risk. The latest studies on the virus and multiple myeloma patients shows that, even if fully vaccinated, MMpatients who contract COVID have a much higher chance of severe illness and death. Yuck. I cancelled all my near and far travel plans and I'm just not sure when I'll be up for travelling again. So, even if I can't visit with all my friends and family, know that I'm reminiscing of all the times I did get to see you face-to-face. I'm confident it will happen again.

Lots of love and many hugs to all of you. Have safe and a great holiday!