These long winter nights and cold days make me yearn for spring! A fire burning in the fireplace in the evenings brings warmth and somehow comfort.  I am a substitute teacher and the work is feast or famine. Right now its famine. This month I will travel back to St. Jude with my daughter for her 9 year check up.  Behind the doors of that institution was fought an immense battle for Hannah's life.  Back then we didn't know if we would be coming home. I often wished I had a crystal ball so I could know if we were going to be one of the survivors.  I thought if I just knew the outcome I could prepare.  We walked through treatment one day at a time, hoping it would work.  We met many young people whose treatments didn't save them.  Our hearts broke.  Although I love St. Jude and the people who we met there, I wish we had never had to walk through the doors.  St. Jude treats its patients royally.  One father said, "When you become a patient at St. Jude, you become a member of a select fraternity of which you wish you never were a part." I agree.  We go back every January when the temperatures are freezing and walking between the buildings for appointments is not much fun.  But I am reminded that there are many who would gladly trade places with us, so blow, winter wind.  We are alive.  Thank you God, for these days.