I must admit, I wouldn't even have a blog if it weren't for Jerri. She is my tireless editor and manager. She encouraged, inspired and cajoled until I relented. My friend Margie is our second editor and reads along daily to be sure we are on the right track. I couldn't, or wouldn't do this without them. Most importantly I wouldn't do it without you.
So thank you Jerri and Margie and all of my readers. Thank you to those of you who share it with others, especially on Facebook. It seems to grow exponentially when it is shared on Facebook by one of you. Jerri, of course, was right. I needed this, and apparently there are others out there who think that I have something worthwhile to say.
To date there have been readers from 56 countries. It still boggles my mind when I see that. We have almost 2400 readers, with 12000 page views. I must be honest; this is what encourages me now. I know others are going through the same things, in one way or another, and reading the blog helps them feel as though they are not alone. Writing it helps me feel as through I'm not as alone. It's been tough to narrow my world again. I am a very social person. That's why I chose the social service field to work in. I love being around people and experiencing new things; I find new and different experiences exciting and fun.
I had an anthropology professor who became a friend when I was in university. He taught social anthropology. To be honest, until I went to university, I didn't know such a thing existed. He told me although I was sure psychology was my first love, I was a natural anthropologist. He hadn't ever met anyone he said who could read people with the interest I had. It's true, I love people and find our differences are intriguing, our commonalities despite the differences, reassure me. I could spend my life interviewing people about their lives and be happy.
So this process has been a good one. I am putting myself out there, which is a scary process, but what I have gotten back from all of you is more than worth it. Thank you.
With all of this in mind, I have devised a plan for the days I won't be able to write immediately after the surgery. There will be a few guest bloggers. They have been given freedom to write about anything they choose. I know you will enjoy their writings; they are all good writers and very interesting people. Jerri will continue to manage the site, along with editing with Margie. And my family will give updates on how I am doing.
The surgery date is Wednesday, May 27th at 8am. I would appreciate all good vibes, prayers and positive energy you want to send my way. Everyone has his or her own way to do that and I appreciate all of it. My sister Val is in Greece right now and I've asked that she sit in the sea at the Black Beach and drink a frosty cold beer for me, just as I did two years ago. Hey, it's a tough job but somebody has to do it!
It feels good to know there are people wishing me well in life but especially at a time like this.
Thank you. Thank You. Thank You.