Wow!! This year started out with a bang. I can’t remember any roller coaster ride quite like the one we took, January, 2013. I rang in the new year performing at Puckett’s in Leiper’s Fork. We had a wonderful time. A few days later, pedicures and lunch with my girls and Delaney in preparation for the cruise. On the 4th, Bob and I flew down to Ft. Lauderdale so we could pre-board for a wedding we were singing and playing at before we were to set sail. On the day before we left, I noticed Marshall was acting like he didn’t feel well. So, after dropping us at the airport, Hannah and Jared took him to see Dr. Butler. He ended up in the hospital for almost the whole cruise with Lymes Disease. When we found out he had come home and seemed to be feeling a lot better, we were all thrilled. The cruise was a lot of fun and my two shows were very successful. All is well, or so we thought. Unfortunately, the last night of the cruise was not a fun one. I woke in the middle of the night unable to breathe through my nose. My head was completely congested. It was horrible the next day when I had to disembark and travel two flights feeling horrible. When we returned home on the 12th, I immediately started on my nasal rinse, ACV, Advil Congestion, etc. The next day, it traveled into my chest. By afternoon, I started having breathing problems. Bob made a call to a doctor friend of ours and she prescribed a steroid pack. I tried a couple of those and was doing both inhalers but nothing was helping. Around dinner time, I was unable to breathe or put 3 words together. After a call to our friend, Bob was instructed to take me to the ER. I was having bronchial spasms. They put me on breathing treatments and admitted me where I stayed 3 days. Skyline Medical did a great job and took very good care of me. It was a frightening experience I hope never to have again. While in the hospital, my friends, Regina, Ann and Freda McCrary came to visit me. They didn’t call, they just showed up. I loved that. They made me laugh, they all prayed over me and loved on me. That was a good lesson for me that when someone you love is in need, just show up. Don’t wait to be asked.   I also had another wonderful gift. On my second day there, Hannah and Jared walked in with flowers and a shiny engagement ring sitting on her left hand.  He had just proposed to her. We knew it was coming because he had asked for her hand the Sunday before. They are getting married April 7th.    After returning home from the hospital, I noticed Marshall was not well at all. When we went to my GP for a follow up that week, we dropped him off at the vet’s office, which is across the street. While there, Bob was petting him and felt a big mass on his side. After tests were run, he was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, the most aggressive form of cancer a dog can get.  It was in his bones and the tumor was about to wrap around his precious heart. The prognosis was bad and we had to go that evening and say goodbye to the greatest dog we’ve ever known. I miss him so much and still have crying moments wishing he were here, running to meet us when we pull in.  Also while in the hospital, I had a visit from our friend/pastor, David Jones. While there, he informed me that he had given notice to the church and the last Sunday in January would be his last. After 13 years of this man at the pulpit and in our lives, we would no longer see him standing there. He and his family will always be our friends though. We lost a pastor but have a friend for life.  So, to round out the month, on January 31st, I performed six songs for my agency’s showcase in Memphis. It was rough and I felt like I’d run 10 miles after that 25 minutes was over but it was good to end a crazy month singing.   I’m on the mend still but feeling very good. I’m ready to start walking and hiking now. A couple other things happened in January which I can talk about later but not now.  So, needless to say, it was quite a ride. One that I hope I don’t have to take again. So long January, hello February and the remainder of 2013..