MY SUGERY IS OCTOBER 12TH

I've had so many dear, sweet souls contact me over the last few days that I am humbled by your kindnesses toward me. One of the benefits of the Internet is the virtual friends one makes. I've been blessed. Truly.

My surgery is scheduled for October 12th. I'm in a better frame of mind about it now, thanks to all of your kind words and promises of prayers. I'm a big believer in the power of prayer. As Ghandi once said, "Prayer is not an old woman's idle amusement. Properly understood and applied, it is the most potent instrument of action."

Kelly and Calvin last summer.

Four days after my surgery, my Calvin will turn eighty--that's with a small "e" because he doesn't want a fuss made over this achievement. His son, though, has different ideas.

Kelly, who was born close to Calvin's fortieth birthday, lives and works in Berlin, Germany. He has a PhD. in High Energy Theoretical Partical Physics--and I have no clue what that is. He is flying to the States the day after my surgery and staying for his dad's big day.

Kelly says he wants to help get me back on my feet as well as be here for his dad's birthday. How eager I am for his company. For those of you who know my Calvin, you know him to be intelligent, witty, gentle, caring and very sweet. Kelly has inherited all those admirable qualities. He is a joy to be around. So, see, every dark cloud has a silver lining.