Today was Day 20 out of 33 of my radiation treatments. Radiation is full of the unexpected. Today Ann, 63, had her last treatment for brain cancer, a cancer that started in her lungs. Two months ago she moved in with her daughter, her grand-daughter, and her great grand child. Imagine: four generations of women living together, staying united as Ann faces her uncertain future. When Ann re-entered the waiting room after seeing the doctor for the last time, every woman stood and applauded. Hugs and kisses were exchanged with promises for a happy life. Each of the women held her tightly and thought of the days in Ann's future, the days of grace, the unexpected days the doctors didn't expect, the days of pain, and the days of sadness. After our little ceremony, Ann stood at the door, turned around, looked each of us in the eye and said, "Promise me that you will cherish what you have and not waste a minute! Promise me!" And with our eyes blinking back tears that we forbid to fall, we each gave Ann our solemn vow.

All any of us know is this day, this minute, this experience. Live it fully.