Monday, July 28th - preparations are in full gear for the big week ahead. I've got my shopping lists, and am already thinking about what outfits to wear both in the hospital, and for my return home. One really should look good when one really feels bad, don't you think?

I received a wonderful boost from my work colleagues last Monday at our department wide retreat. In addition to a beautiful get-well gift basket filled with goodies like chocolate band-aids and get-well chicken soup, they also created a gift basket of messages. They scrolled up about 50 or 60 papers, and tied them with beautiful ribbon. Some are jokes, or inspirational thoughts, or pictures from the internet. Others are very sweet and personal notes. It was incredibly thoughtful and meant so much. I look forward to working my way though the basket.