Today

My veteran on Veteran's Day. ;)

This picture twists my heart with love.

I've mentioned that I've been trying to be better at capturing the moments. I find that in them is where my heart lies.

Yesterday was Diagnosis Day. My mother has Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.

That is not the only illness we're dealing with, at present, in the family. It's not even the first bout of cancer with my parents. You'd think it'd be old hat by now. It's not.

I'll be honest, I've cried every day, multiple times, for the past two weeks or so. I try not to. It comes on at the strangest times. Like when I say to Steven, "These kids are an emotional mess. They cry at everything." And then all of the sudden, I burst into tears.

I kind of feel sorry for him. Who would want to be at the center of my breakdown? But he just pulls me into a long hug. Then he rubs my back and tells me that it's going to be okay.

It's amazing how "good news" is relative. You hear it and think, "I can live with that." This diagnosis? This is good. If it has to be something, it might as well be a cancer that we can fight. ;)

So I feel better today. Not 100%, but a little more at ease.

Tonight is our Marine Corps Ball. I have to squeeze into my fat dress (remind me never again to try on the dresses in my closet till 2 nights before), and paste on a fun smile. It feels more like going to war than attending a celebration. It's okay, though. I need to get out, even if it's to party with a bunch of drunk Marines (because I'm not under any illusion there will be anyone sober by the end of the night).

To dance. To talk. To flirt with my man when he's dressed up (I only get dress blues once a year! Got to make the most of it!).

More moments. This is good.