Fifteen years ago today Nicole died. Five years ago tonight we found a big ol' brain tumor in my head. I think I have a little blonde guardian angel girl that follows me around sometimes. Strangers can see her with me.

I remember one Saturday morning, after she'd spent the night, in sixth grade. We had to be at school early for the bus to music contest. Nicole slept nearest my alarm clock, and when it went off, she called my name softly several times, to remind me she was there. She hurried to put on her wig, so her bald head wouldn't scare me first thing in the morning.

I think that's part of the reason I'm such a morning person. In college, on speech trips, my teammates would make me sleep by the phone, to answer the wakeup call. I'm the nicest person in the morning. Thanks for the lesson, Nicole.

And a taller male blonde guardian angel with the hands of a neurosurgeon....lets all say a prayer of thanks for Dr. Bogaev....God bless him!!!