Breathing Easier

I sat down to meditate tonight, and it seemed to me I am breathing easier. Whether this is due to the steroids that are coursing through my system, to the chemo, the radiation, to all or none of the above, it's nice, and I'm enjoying it. Those antinausea drugs are working wonders, and I am very grateful.

I thought I would be featuring photos of radiation therapy for your viewing pleasure, but given that I left the house at 6:45 a.m. , I didn't even think about pulling out the camera once I got to Treatment Room A.

I did, however, pull out the camera for Cecelia O'Connell's 92nd birthday celebration tonight at the far more civilized hour of 8:30 p.m. Cece's daughter Mary took the snaps. If John McLarnon is reading this, I hope he takes note. Cece would like to go back to Ireland this summer, and I would like nothing better than to introduce John to Cece. I believe you would enjoy one another immensely.

The O'Connell family had another blessing to celebrate: the birth of Claire Cecelia to Mary's daughter Sarah Bush and her husband Hap Bryant. Born at 11:40 p.m. January 8, Claire Cecelia weighed in at 6 pounds, 15 ounces. A very welcome -- and beautiful -- addition to the family. See for yourself:

And yet two more blessings: Mary's nephew Patrick O'Connell was present at the birthday party. He and his wife Brenda were in a terrible car accident not too long ago. We have all been praying mightily for them, and while Brenda is still mending, it was a joy to see Patrick.

So with these glad tidings, I bid you goodnight. I have radiation again at the crack of dawn. As of Friday we move to 8:15 a.m., and possibly next week to 8:30.