On Aug. 10, 2024, my family learned after his surgery that my precious 26-year-old grandson BEN had colon cancer. On Aug. 15, 2024, lab and MRI analysis showed that the cancer was Stage IV adenocarcinoma. He DIDN'T HAVE ANY SYMPTOMS until about five weeks before his diagnosis. Genetic testing showed no propensity for colon cancer, and there is no history of colon cancer on either side of his family. The cause must have been environmental. At 6 a.m. on January 10, 2025, Ben passed away, finally released from his pain. His headstone was finally set on Nov. 13, 2025, a granite stone in a lovely shade of blue, his favorite color. Ben was the closest to a perfect human that I have known. The world could use MANY more people who are as good as he was. Ben, I love you more than you will ever know. Please visit his memorial and leave a virtual flower for him.

Be aware that colon cancer and other cancers in young and early-middle-aged adults is becoming more and more common. If you feel that something is not right with your body, keep going to as many doctors as it takes until you find an answer. NO ONE knows your body like you do.

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Some people have asked if the Great Dane in my profile photo is my dog. No, he is not one of my "fur babies." I just think the photo is hilarious.

My husband and I have adopted rescued pets for over 45 years. Several other family members do the same. Some of us rescue only dogs, some only cats, and some rescue both cats and dogs.

These are some of my favorite sayings:

Heaven is the place where all the dogs you have ever loved run to greet you.

"The world would be a nicer place if everyone had the ability to love as unconditionally as a dog."

—M.K. Clinton—

"Dogs do speak, but only to those who know how to listen."

—Orhan Pamuk—

"Dogs are my favorite people."

—Richard Dean Anderson—

"Blessed is the person who has earned the love of an old dog."

—Sydney Jeanne Seward—

This is my favorite poem:

"It came to me

that every time

I lose a dog

they take a piece

of my heart with them,

and every new dog

gifts me with a piece

of their heart.

If I live long enough

all the components

of my heart

will be dog, and

I will become

as generous and

loving as they are."

—Anonymous—