Spring!

Outside, it looks like winter. With a dusting of new snow to start the season, it's hard to believe that spring is finally here.

Over the last week and a half, the world has looked like a gloomy place. With the images from Japan and now Libya, it's been difficult to think about much positive. And yet I'm reminded about the power of hope.

Eleven years ago last Thursday, I was diagnosed with a deadly form of cancer. A few days later, as I recovered in my hospital room, a volunteer brought in daffodils, in celebration of the American Cancer Society's Daffodil Days. So, to counteract all that seems dim, I now have a small daffodil plant blooming on my desk, courtesy of this year's ACS Daffodil Days.

During my 3 years of treatment, I sometimes wondered if there would be joy again in my life. Happily, there has been. So, I offer the picture of these daffodils as a small ray of sunshine, a sign that joy and beauty are not lost. The world will smil again - not today, maybe not tomorrow. For now, we can enjoy little things - and savor what is special to us.