Book excerpt: I've enjoyed gathering up some memories and creating a souvenir not just for myself, but for others who might walk a similar path. I hope you will walk with me for a little while and catch glimpses of hope to tuck away for strength and ease when facing the unknown regarding personal loss of health. Much of this book comes from my daily recording what was going on during the year I searched for answers about my health and the following radiation and chemotherapy treatments. I added in places, my thoughts at the time, and even some of my feelings. I hope you will find it informative, if only from my point of view. Much I have written is just how I would say it to you if we were sitting down together having a visit. I learned the "down-times" in my life aren't all full of woe, but are even good times. You will see how I learned to appreciate family and friends, love and good deeds, reality and gratitude, laughter and tears, and the beauty that is all over God's green earth. I thank God for my life - all of it.