In 1972 I signed up to take Astronomy at Xavier University, just for the fun of it.  I had many science requirements for my degree but Astronomy was not one of them.  And in the 50+ years since then I have loved exploring the cosmos, day and night. 

My new abode looks out to the eastern sky, a new view for me from what I saw from my last home where, for 37 years, I could see the sunset out of my 4 western-facing windows and a glimpse of the northern and southern skies out of the other two windows (where I learned to be patient with waiting for the morning Light). 

Sunlight breaks earlier and earlier these days and our Earth-Star is shifting farther and farther north on the horizon.  It beckons. It invites. It welcomes.  And the Moon too rises in the east, out of the shadows of mature trees.  When full, it is like a second dawn! 

This week we followed a nearly total solar eclipse from our lawn, both the brilliant light of the Sun and the New Moon's shadow creeping slowly across it's face.  It was spectacular!  A good day to be alive!  Although I have had April 8 2024 in my calendar for several years, anticipating this cosmic celebration, I had no idea that I would be witnessing it from this new vantage point and with a body filled with cancer.  Nor that my joy would overflow in completely new ways!

My chemo and immunotherapy treatments continue without major side effects.  And I remain pain free.  God is surrounding me with wonderful encounters with friends, community members, family, doctors and nurses and with deep peace.  My next PET scan lies down the road a piece, in early June, to be followed, hopefully, by a trip to NC to visit family (and the beach)!

In the meantime, I set my intention to live in the Light.  And to be conscious, aware, and appreciative of all we can learn in the Shadows.  Thank you for your accompaniment!