The last time I remember constantly praying was when I thought my friend Cecil was going to die. I will not elaborate on his medical situation but it was dire.  Seven years later he is very much alive, thriving in his musical career, and raising his lovely teenage daughters.

I am so glad that radiation is over. If Flora thought about anything else but food and squirrels, she too would be very relieved. It was a rough haul and thanks to everyone for your support.

My friend Molly took me to lunch after my last treatment. We got a table in the sun on the patio of Bistro Elan and it could not have been more perfect. Champagne, excellent food, and lots of laughing. And it kicked off a weekend of me feeling relieved and thankful. So relieved! So thankful.

Now here is something that should give us all hope: when I look back at chemo, I look back at that time somewhat fondly. Can you believe it? What I remember is my warm, cozy apartment, the love that poured from friends and family, and falling asleep while watching James Bond movies.

So, this may mean that I will look back at radiation without rancor. It may be a challenge. My friend Bob Martin passed away a few weeks ago, and I will never forget the traumatized faces of his kids at the funeral. Bob's wife Mary died two years ago. Her passing came after three years of an intense, hardscrabble fight with brain cancer. And there were so many people who prayed for Mary and Bob.  They were both such warm, vibrant, funny people. My only comfort is that they are together again.

I will end this email with a funny fact, one which would make both Mary and Bob laugh loudly: I have joined the local Dahlia society!  That's right, I am now a flower lady, and have no time for business beyond my blooms. I have seven glorious flowering dahlias at this point, and expect to have more next year.

What is this world coming to if Carolyn Helmke is a member of the Dahlia Society? Stay tuned.