The start of autumn has always been an exciting time for me.  I love everything about the season -- the fall colors, the crispness of the air, school starting again, the acitivites... all of it.

This year I was especially glad to see September first arrive.  August was one of the most challenging months I have ever faced.  In late July my doctor here in Kemmerer discovered a pelvic mass that had to be surgically removed.  August started out with surgery and a six-week recovery period that took me away from my busy and exciting job.  Then, in my second week of recovery, my mom's health began a rapid decline and I found myself traveling to Wisconsin to be with her in her last days.  She passed away on August 15th at the age of 70, after a long battle with multiple sclerosis.

I want to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and support I have received.  It has been overwhelming and very humbling in some ways.  I am glad to be back at work, doing what I love and working on projects for the City.

My mom's death has made me do a lot of thinking in terms of contribution and relationships.  Specifically, I wonder what will people remember about me when I am gone, and how am I leaving a lasting mark on the community and world around me? Mom was always one to take up a good cause, and I guess I inherited that trait from her.  She taught me to be involved... that's a good thing.   Life is so short, and we humans really are quite fragile in the grand scale... it makes me want to make sure every moment counts and that I am always working toward a better way, a better path, a better life.  

So thank you again for the support, and as always, for stopping by the blog.  Autumn is going to be a great season in Kemmerer -- I can feel it.