Where has the time gone? A quick check of the calendar revealed 9 ½ months has passed since the first telltale spot appeared on my head. A month later, I had shaved my head rather than fight with the every growing contingent of hairless areas.

9 ½ months, the same amount of time for a child to come forth into this world. Enough time for my oldest DD to graduate from high school and set off on her own for college…for my youngest daughter to transform from a giggling 8th grader to a young woman, a freshman in high school who has discovered boys…arggghh. Tears have been shed as relatives and friends passed…and for those who time was found to be limited. The holidays have come and gone with much laughter shared among family and friends. Acquaintances were made…old friendships renewed.

My parents will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary this coming weekend. I stand in awe of a love that transcends the trials and tribulations of a half century together. My time has been occupied with arrangements for the rapidly approaching surprise party…my way of giving back a little of the love they have shown me all these years. The response from family and friends has been overwhelming with offer after offer to help. It humbles me to see how many lives my parents have touched.

Milestones passed regardless of my alopecia. Admittedly, the journey over the year has been slightly…different. Those of you who are Deadheads you will know what I mean when I say since then ‘what a long, strange trip it’s been…”. That said, I believe that I’ve become a better person. I’m learning that life is not what you accomplish for yourself but what you give of yourself to others. I’m learning that life is too short to dwell upon that which we can not change…or hold heavy in our hearts grudges which mean little once put in perspective.

I knew a small child once whose perpetual smile was infectious. When asked by another why she was always so happy, she cheerfully responded ‘cause the sun is always shining in Laina’s world”. From the mouth’s of babes. I saw Laina when her grandfather passed not long ago. She’s now a grown woman in her 20’s. As I offered my condolences, Laina’s face turned to that infectious smile that I remembered from so long ago….”it’s OK’ she said, "he’s with grandma again.” Seems the sun still shines in Laina’s world…and it will shine for me if I’m willing to push aside the clouds…