Linda Brandt:  

Life I am very blessed with my family. I am happy and married to the same person for about a million years. We are well matched and appreciate each other very much. We have two children who attend college (also for about a million years). My daughter will graduate this year in Marine Biology. My son has a 2-year degree in Information Systems and will attend nursing school next year. If they EVER finish school, we will return to traveling the United States. Until then, all fun money goes to the EDUCATION fund. Our dogs and cat have passed away. We have one cat from the shelter because my husband indulged my request although we really don't need one. Does anyone ever really "need" a cat? My best friend and co-worker who is also my walking partner and gym-buddy. We keep each other exercising almost daily. I love snow-skiing, but have not gone in several winters. Perhaps, I'm scared that I am too old and might get hurt? I now settle for gardening, reading, sewing/needlework and such. It is safer and much less expensive. I collect antique dolls and enjoy researching their history. Nostalgia and historic places interest me greatly. My grandmother's photos and dishes are now treasures to me, yet when I was young I nearly unloaded them at the Goodwill. My husband would not hear of it and now I can't imagine what what going through my head. It is true; youth is wasted on the young. Like everyone, we have had our burdens: My husband remains in remission (19 years) from lymphoma and a bone-marrow transplant. We highly recommend City of Hope to anyone faced with cancer/blood disorders. I, too am fully recovered from a less severe cancer. We now consider ourselves in excellent health with no limitations. My daily prayers are thanks for our health and our family. School I have fond memories of my high school years and friendships of that time. Many memories are forever linked to the music of that time. I cannot hear certain old songs without thinking of persons and places of long ago. Whenever I hear "Walk Away Renee," I think of a girl named Renee who died from a brain tumor circa 1968. Whenever I hear "Don't Let the Sun Catch You Crying" or "House of the Rising Sun," I think of a high school boyfriend who taught me to play them on guitar. Whenever I hear "How Can I Be Sure?" I think of driving around town with girlfriends. When I hear "Magic Carpet Ride" I think of the high school dances. When I hear "Daydream Believer" I think of cheerleader practice. I cannot pass Universi...Expand for more