ON NOVEMBER FIRST, Lacey sat in the thoracic clinic waiting room.

She had insisted on coming alone. It seemed a long time since that March day when she had first sat here. So much had happened.

She had survived the fatigue, nausea and oozing skin of her treatments and the pain after her operation. Dr. Sanderson was now 'Scott', her soon to be son-in-law. The wedding date was March 5th. Jana was spending more and more time at Scott's condo. Barney was living with Anna and the twins in a stunning turn of events that Lacey could hardly believe.

"Edmonds."

Lacey greeted the nurse, stood on the scales, put on her hospital gown and climbed onto the examining table. It was chilly, as usual, and she hoped she would not have to wait long.

Her pulse was racing and she knew why. She had slept fitfully and, despite heroic efforts, had been unable to stop worrying that she might get bad news today. It is natural to be scared. There must always be worry on a day like this. I am on my way to Florida, or I am on my way to the grave, after all. Lacey felt well enough, except for lingering fatigue. She was eagerly anticipating the wedding. And she had suddenly found new interests of all kinds. She would study all the great religions and try to understand what motivates people to believe.