It has been just over 2 months since I lost my sole mate.  However, I think I am doing amazingly well.  I AM finding Shelly and I like her!  She is stronger than I thought she was!  I have started consulting about Mesothelioma!!  The important part of the job is teaching people about the effects that mesothelioma has on real peoples lives.  I will be working with lawyers and marketing as well as patients to make sure that they are well informed about how or what is said/read, is received by the patient or the caregiver.  I will also be writing a piece on grieving that will go into print shortly and will be given to those that have recently lost a loved one.  It will contain information that I found useful and things that I needed and never thought I would, along with me as contact.  So it has been a busy last couple of weeks for me as I enter a new phase in my life. 

I am also getting ready for DC.  I have to begin to write an acceptance speech...UGH!  I wish I had more confidence in this area.  I know it will be highly emotional for me.  Just going to the symposium without Craig will be tough enough and seeing his name on the tribute wall...rougher yet.  I am looking forward to seeing so many people in the meso community though. I know I will draw strength from them.  I have an idea of what I want to say, I just need to get it into bullet point form and then fill in the blanks as I go.  I just basically speak from my heart and wing it....  It worked last time, so I hope it will work this time as well.

Phyllis posted a picture of Hazel.  She is adorable!!  I have been the "nanny gram" all week.  She is very smart and slept through the night last night!  She only has one accident per day...not bad for a puppy.  She hasn't chewed anything but her toys, she can sit, lay and will come (from a short distance).  She is FULL of energy and has me worn out by the time Emily and Kyle get home from work.  She seems to know her name now...although sometimes I think, she thinks, it is "good girl"  

BELIEVING...Shelly

p.s. Bob Ryan had total knee replacement today...keep him in your thoughts and prayers.  Thanks