It was a well-deserved win, Joy. Congratulations! I won't even dignify the rest of it... :-)
I can so relate Joy. Self-acceptance is everything.for true love to exist. You write beautifully, but this post is one of my favorites.
One thing I love about writing is that it's a way to be in your head and outside of it at the same time. I look forward to reading you whenever you want to share. And great picture! It will be summer again soon.
It sounds like a really good book, Joy. Perhaps the key to surviving cancer in the first place is the positive outlook.
This is a theme I have read in your work time and time again, Sulekha. And each time I am touched by your giving spirit. It takes a special kind of person to be able to love so freely. You have a wonderful spirit.
Such a beautiful post. I truly think that as women we all contemplate our life choices and how they absolutely affect our dreams and aspirations. The trick is figuring out which ones don't have to be mutually exclusive. Having adult children, I can say that they see more of who we are as they get older and are able to understand the complexities of life, but they may never be able to see all of it. I know for myself I try to show as much as possible and some things I still hide because I want to protect them. xox
Children are sponges and geniuses. I bet Finn knows how much you love him and the ways you are able to show him affection.
Great advice. I especially like the advice to read. It's important that writers study their craft by reading successful writers and their peers.
I remember how awful it is to have a sick child and that feeling of wanting to do anything to keep them healthy. Since your son has been hospitalized, I can imagine how that raises the anxiety. It's like you are suffering from posttraumatic stress. I don't have any medical data, but I suspect that children are even more susceptible to bugs because of their youth (they are still developing their immune systems), so it is normal for them to have more colds than adults do, I think. Illnesses are even more common as they start school and are around other children and their germs. Children are also prone to having more fevers than adults, so that's normal, too. Teaching your son good hygiene is a great practice but some colds and viruses may still get through. Also, the overuse of antibacterials can actually lead to the breeding of resistant bacteria. Continue to encourage a healthy lifestyle through diet (fruits, vegetables), a daily multivitamin, and proper rest. I'm curious about the journal: Did every cough turn into an illness? If your son does get sick, don't panic. Just use best practices to treat symptoms. Read books on treating childhood illnesses and look things up on the Internet. Join a forum for parents. You're a good parent and you are not alone.
Beautiful post, Joy. I'm glad we're all still here. :)
![[Avatar]](/images/avatar26.png){kind=avatar}
sweepyjean 
Brainchild