I recently have been affected by people close to me with severe injuries or illness.

One of my closest girlfriends from high school was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and had a double mastectomy. She has two children (both under the age of two) and is about to start chemo. For those who don't know, my father died of cancer in August 2003, so my friend's illness hits very close to home for me. It was a privilege to stay with her for a weekend and watch her kids while she recovered from surgery. I'm so proud of my friend...she's beating this disease like a champ!

Then, this past weekend, my husband and I visited one of his college baseball buddies who was in a terrible motorcycle accident. He is at TIRR in Houston and under very good care...especially the care of his amazing wife. She is with him through his painful rehab 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all while taking care of four children!

Finally, there's little Alexis Verzal, who has been in the news recently for suspicious head injuries she received reportedly at an in-home day care. While I don't know the Verzals personally, my heart goes out to them. They recently moved to Nebraska to give Alexis the best treatment possible to give her a shot at a full recovery. What a leap of faith! They're courage and strength is truly admirable.

I didn't write this blog to be a "Debbie Downer". I wrote it because these inspirational people have made me think about how we take our health for granted. I take for granted every day that I can do little tasks like type on the computer, go to the store or take a walk. There are so many people out there having to re-learn activities like eating, walking and talking. So take a moment and be grateful for your health, and try to do something for someone who's not as fortunate. There's a good chance their caretaker could use a little break. And to all the caretakers out there...bless you! It takes a strength from within that can't be achieved without guidance from above.