Hi all. It's been awhile, but I'm finally up and running again. My son put together a new computer for himself, so handed me down his old one.

Even though I have been unable to contribute here for some time now, you have all always been in my thoughts and prayers. Tonight I ask for your prayers, not for me, but for my friend. I have been busy over the last six months or so, with family and friends needing attention. My husband was working out of San Diego most of that time and is finally home now. My brother-in-law had a heart attack and then surgery. My father-in-law was in and out of the hospital 5 times. My sisters cancer has come back. An old friend of ours was hit by a drunk driver while he was walking down the road, and is lucky to be alive, though still in an extended care facility. And the list goes on and on, but that's the worst of it. It's been an unbelievable time, and looking over some of the archives here and on the old board it looks like I haven't been the only one. Right now, things are looking very good for me, but not for my friend Sandy. Through thick and thin my very best friend in the world has always been right there when I needed help, or a shoulder to cry on. And trying to raise kids in this city we've both had our fair share of wet shoulders. She is one of those rare souls who could never say an unkind word about anyone, and would give you the shirt off her back. She's a very caring, giving, sensitive person and gives so much of herself to others, and asks for nothing for herself. Well, tonight she needs lots and lots of prayers. Both of her children have diabetes, and her oldest daughter Misty has had an especially difficult struggle the last few years. Tonight that struggle is over. At the age of 22 Misty passed away, leaving an 18 month old son without his Mommy, and Sandy heartbroken and devastated, her kids are her life. Everything I've been through in the last six months, in the last 20 years, pales in comparison. I have not the words to console my friend. To lose a child, at any age, I just can't comprehend it! I don't know how I would react in her shoes, and I just don't know what more I can say to ease her pain! Please pray for her and her family.

Thanks, and love you all.

Mary/Maya