Okay, my life is comfortable as it is. I have been retired for 3 years from PPS. I love the work I am doing for Portland State (which requires no 6AM alarm clocks). It is satisfying to know that I am having an impact on the next generation of teachers.

But. . .we are still young (not really middle aged unless we live to be 116!) and we have fewer obligations than most of our peers.

As I watch my dear friend, Karen, battle an aggressive form of ALS, it becomes more apparent to me that we live our dreams. She has faced this disease with courage and dignity (as has her husband, Bob). Yet, she can no longer do anything for herself. There were no warning signs before she was struck with this, she was not able to plan. If she still had the ability to speak, I know that this is what she would say, "Go for it!"

So I have gone from comfortable to this my next life adventure. . .