Good morning. Actually, it is almost afternoon. A combination of Hydrocodone, medical pot and Tylenol Pm kept me in bed until 11:30 am! I used to be on such a natural schedule, mindful of going to sleep by 11 pm and waking up at 7:30 am without the aid of an alarm. Now, sleep has become a refuge and my body’s natural clock is preempted by drugs.

My research into sleep turned up this interesting information: Lack of good sleep doesn’t cause cancer, but new research shows good quality sleep can help your body fight cancer. Sleep disorders can alter two hormones which impact cancer: cortisol and melatonin. Active young women who slept less than 7 hours per night had a 47% higher risk of cancer than those who got more sleep. That is significant!

Today’s hope is that my eyes will stop stinging so I can enjoy some outdoor exercise. Nothing radical mind you … walking would be divine!

Meanwhile, I was surprised but happy to learn that Caro’s dad and oldest sister are reading my journal. It certainly is an unusual way to be introduced to people I hope will be my future in-laws/relatives.

When I was dating, I always wished that I was proficient in the Vulcan mind meld used by Mr Spock from Star Trek. The Vulcan mind meld, also known as the mind link, mind probe, mind fusion, mind touch, or simply meld, was a telepathic link between two individuals. It allowed for an intimate exchange of thoughts, thus in essence enabling the participants to become one mind, sharing consciousness in a kind of gestalt. Back in the day, the mind meld would have saved me so much time, quickly eliminating 2nd dates with incompatible guys. It would have been handy to speed up the hiring process when I was in management and certainly helpful in screening adopters of rescue pets.

In reality, in lieu of using targeted finger points to communicate, I am glad to share my journal and in so doing, my journey. In Caro’s case, I can readily communicate the deep feelings I have developed for her and share the joy she brings to our family.

Caro, Claire and Krista. The daughters I never had. The daughters I get to love. As a mother of three young men, I am grateful beyond words that my sons have each found truly loving and supportive partners. Their shared love comforts me.

When the boys were young, I distinctly remember not wanting to die because, after all, who could/would love them like I did.? Now, I still don’t want to die, but I am comforted knowing that my guys are in good hands!