Thank you...

This list won't be inclusive but I'll do my best. So many wonderful wonderful friends, family members, and strangers have moved me deeply. "Thank you" barely scratches the surface of the depth of my appreciation.

My husband Jake, whose love and patience make me very happy that we are life partners.

The Monsters, who remind me that hugs and stuffies are important in healing.

My brother Alan, whose sense of humor and pragmatic advice remind me so much of our father and mother. I am so glad I have my brother in my life!!

My father, whose sense of humor and resiliency, clearly inherited from his parents, were passed along to me.

My mother, who loved life, collected amazing friends, and taught me the joy of marshmallow sweet potatoes.

My stepdad Harry, who called them like he saw them. I know he's cheering me on.

Lee, for her calls and support and for nice reminders of my father.

My cousin Lance and his partner Cary. For recipes that I can eat with my jaw wired shut using only an EZ Bake Oven.

Our friend and fairy godmother Pam, whose love of our family and our doggie makes our lives so much richer.

My other brothers and sister, for their precious notes of support. :-)

Rocky, Daisy, Brandi Lee, Ladybird, Carly, Maggie, Linc, Muffin, Max, Kobe, and Coach, who remind me that all pills go down better with a treat.

Yasmin and Steve, for Rocky Jr. and Tyger Jr. and her new book. And for a longtime friendship.

Jake's family, who always makes me feel like one of the gang.

My Uncle Veeck, his partner Rosie, and Pudge, whose love of chickens still makes me laugh.

My cousins Steve, Debbie, Laura, Todd, John, Mindy, Mike Melanie, and Jeff, for their support and the Friend family spirit. And a reminder that a horse is a horse, of course of course...

My mentors and friends at work. I am blessed to work with such an amazingly intelligent, talented, and caring group of individuals.

Our neighbors, who always seem to find ways to do nice things for us before we've even asked and who really define what "neighbors" is about.

My Pinemere friends (Go Greens!) who, after a 30-year absence, rekindled the gift of sisterhood.

Doug in CA, who even bought his own syringe to join the fun.

Cheryl who has been so good about keeping in touch long after the demise of Crown Books.

My friends who have multiple sclerosis and who work for the MS Society. They are truly grace under fire and their energy to fight this disease encourages me to fight my small battle here.

And the same for my friends who fight breast cancer and other challenges. They inspire me.

Trish, Kaki, Rachel, Peanut, and Vivian. For love and laughter and Whole Foods.

MiniBird, who understands the importance of a blanket and a good snack.

Diane, whose coffee cake in a blender is rumored to be out of this world.

My Aunt Barbara and Freedman cousins, for their well-wishes and for being wonderful aunt and cousins.

Bill, who suggested that the inability to breathe is a real problem needing an aggressive response. And for 30 years of mentoring and friendship.

My dear friend David, for love, support, and Tiliapia Smoothies.

My Yale buddies, for their wisdom and love over the years. Go Bulldogs!

Holly, Selene, Kim, Christy, and Cris. For friendship, support, and baby food recipes.

Adrianna, for cowboy boots and loaf.

David and Susan, who helped inspire this blog.

Robin, who understands that you can be a lot more productive if you're wearing fuzzy slippers.

Beth, whose tales from the gym gave me a good laugh.

Other family members and friends and strangers, too numerous to mention, who cheered me on and whose love and support remind me of what a special place this world is.

To all of you...THANK YOU!!!....

--K--