I was reflecting on all of my blessings, despite having another Thanksgiving mostly alone, because Angela had to be in the hospital again.  But I did get to spend some time with her amazing little boy, Eli.

About a year ago, Angela told me she was going to have a baby, I was thrilled and scared – thrilled because I knew how much she wanted to have children, but scared  because I knew the risks to her health.

Angela did everything the doctors recommended and lo, on May 13, 2016, they delivered a strong healthy boy, Eli, named in honor of Noah’s grandmother, Elaine who died of cancer three years before.

I had a rough 2016 – after the winter holidays, I was not able to return to school because my spinal stenosis was so painful.  I spent 2-3 months in denial and depressed then finally realized that I had to retire.  What a blessing that I could!  I also made the decision to look into bariatric surgery which my neurosurgeon had recommended.  Once I learned that I could have it laproscopically, I was ready.  I postponed it until June because I wanted to be with Angela when Eli was born but I did everything as directed by my surgeon and the surgery was successful, except my back pain is not much better.

But with the help of family (Ann and Allen, Angela and Noah) and friends (Helene, Donna, Jeri and others) I was finally able to move up to Greensboro in September to be with Eli, Angela, and Noah.

I am blessed that I get to be with Eli every day to see him growing and learning and developing.  And so far, I am not driving Angela and Noah too crazy.

I have lost half the weight I want to and I have cut my hair (PIXIE) and decided to NOT be grey (didn’t look good.)  And I have the best grandbaby ever…he is sweet and good-natured and coos and laughs and kicks and loves his bottle.  A miracle baby, a blessing in our lives.

The best is yet to come.