something I am grateful for today

The triumph of survival.

Last night I saw a recent photo of an old friend. She looked luminous (as she did back when she was part of my daily life) and not even close to her age.

She did not look like she had ever been ravaged by cancer and was now lucky to be here.

She's currently holding a senior academic position in a discipline she loves, one which recognizes her intelligence and abilities. She's also raised a family she loves. And I felt a pang of love for her when I saw this new picture -- she's not only still living, she's living well.