Didn't mean to disappear Thursday, but I had a Wednesday night critique group so didn't get back online Wed night at all, a different writers' group Thursday morning which segued into lunch at a fantastic Mediterranean restaurant, and then off to the grocery store (which I'd been putting off all week). I got home after 3 with a headache and a frisky kitten who'd been locked up all day.

But back to Wednesday. Maybe some of you out there know Ann Peach. She had a beginning writers column in Romantic Times Book Club Magazine for ages and she's taught at the RT conventions for the past 10 years. I met her about a year and a half ago. Her parents live in Hawaii and she's been a frequent traveller here. She's a sweet lady and very interesting to talk with.

Ann has terminal liver cancer. She's come back to Hawaii to spend the rest of her time. I'm not divulging any secrets when I say this. If you know Ann, and want to send her a card or a photo or share a memory with her, let me know and I'll give you the address where she's staying. She would love to hear from people she's known/met through RT and her column.

Ann came to see the Wednesday group. She's in a wheelchair now, but she's not letting it get her down. I can honestly say that seeing her was uplifting. Other people might be, and rightfully so, bitter and negative if this were happening to them. But Ann still smiles. And she still asks questions about everyone and about their writing. She stayed with us for about an hour, and we had a marvelous time just talking about writing and life. Her husband was nearby and came to check on her periodically. When they left, it was with the intention of coming back next week. Ann doesn't know how much time she has, but she's living each day to the fullest. And she's making plans for the future. How many of us would do the same in her shoes?

One of the things I've learned since living in Hawaii is just how important the word “aloha” is. It's not just a greeting. It means so many things; it's an attitude, a state of mind, a way of being. It's about love and so much more besides. It's a wonderful word. I can't really describe it. But, I wish you much peace and aloha in your life. And that's a good thing. 🙂