I am in Wisconsin. I was born in Wisconsin and raised in Wisconsin. I am a Midwesterner. I came to Wisconsin to visit my nephew Brad. But, by the time I arrived, my mother was in the hospital. Unexpectedly. I can't imagine life without my mother. I have had her in my life for 60 years - so fortunate! She has been healthy and productive and active. Until now.

My mother is in a hospital near Lake Michigan. I have been spending most of my time at the hospital. Today, I took a walk in the park across the street from the hospital to see the lake that dominates Milwaukee. All I saw was pastels. Lovely and calming.

My mother is undergoing surgery tomorrow. I am looking at this photograph to calm myself.

And, I am tapping into my optimism - I do believe, firmly, that my mom will come out of surgery OK and will continue to be a guiding light in my life. I am a native child. This lovely pastel photograph of Lake Michigan is my talisman.