As I went through all the wonderful gee whizes in my life, my giggles (to myself) faded as the events of this week - and past few weeks flooded my mind. How blessed I am to have close friends and family in my life. I cannot imagine my life without anyone.

On June 27, a small miracle came into my family via my nephew Tyler and his wife Sara. I finally was able to see him on Tuesday and fell in love with Caleb instantly. He slept all the time I held him except for some cute little squeaks and stretches.

I visited with Tyler and Sara, which I haven't really been able to do for ages. Sara has not been in our family long so I caught her up on a few things. Sara is such a sweet lady and I thank Him for sending her to Tyler. Tyler lost his mom, my late sister-in-law Lisa, eight years ago and that changed an already brooding boy to the point I thought I lost him forever. He grew up and married Sara and for the first time, I'm seeing a whole new Tyler - especially as I saw him with his son.

We spoke about Lisa and I told him that every time I am around him and his three sisters, I feel Lisa's presence, which I was afraid to tell him before. He smiled and said, "She was definitely there when Caleb was born." I got chills. I left there feeling loved by him for the first time in years and more so than ever.

My dad had surgery yesterday (brace yourselves - especially men!) to remove scar tissue from his urethra (from having a catheter in for four+ months last year. He's also had an infection that took the doc a week to finally sort out what type of infection it was. Dad has been so miserable and now to add the pain of the surgery today. He's entertaining on morphine but he behaved for the most part - no streaking down the hall or anything. He was in quite a bit of pain when we got him home but it has subsided since the pain meds got in his system. He's such a trooper - not letting this get him down and we're hopeful he'll stop getting infections and having trouble. I'm so blessed to have incredible parents and siblings as well as nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles.

Then there's my friends, near and far. I was feeling sorry for myself because due to school and life being so nuts, I am not able to go to Denver as I planned this coming weekend for Hula's kids' birthday party. She called me Monday morning to tell me that she broke the news to Hula Boy (who just turned 5) that I wasn't coming and he responded, "But we can't have a party without Karen!" My heart swelled and I felt bad and good at the same time. Hula Girl is disappointed too but when I spoke to her on Tuesday (her 10th birthday), she said, "Just because you're not coming doesn't mean I can't send you something." She's an amazing artist and such a sweetheart! I guess we will have to celebrate double next July when I'm going - and nothing short of a disaster will stop me. I also miss Hula's magical air conditioned toilet and the cheap thrills it gives me.

My friends Vickie, Monica, Dawn, and Annie rarely let a day go by without checking on me. My friends that visit me here, whether comments are left or not - it means so much that you all visit me despite me not being able to visit you all. I feel so disconnected at times and I want time to hear about what's going on in your lives and wanting to be there for those who need support - or a laugh. I've decided I need a 24-hour day for all I need and want to do plus a 10-hour night so I can sleep.

Gee whiz... I am so blessed and thankful. Love to all!