Well, this past year has been a crazy ride. So much has changed. My junior year ended quite well. College and I continued to get along rather well. In mid-January, I had some trouble with my kidney, which required emergency surgery and a short, fun stay in the hospital. I missed the first few days of my semester, but bounced back rather quickly. The semester passed and we had some rough times with my sibling. He went through some trying experiences but emerged stronger and better for them. I, in the meantime, noticed some weird things about myself, physically. By the end of the semester, I knew something was wrong with me and sought a reason for the pain and changes. In spite of whatever I was going through, I went to France with my religion class a week after the semester ended. I am so happy I signed up for a religion course with travel attached to it. I loved my time in France. I spent a week in Paris and then a little over a week in Taize. The food in Paris was fabulous, and I am completely hooked on goat cheese now. And crepes with Nutella. Those are heaven. I went to Versailles, but I spent most of my time there in a closet with some friends. Overall, great memories.

Once I got back to the states, my health continued to go down the drain. I met repeatedly with an endocrinologist. After multiple MRIs, blood-work, and other tests, I was diagnosed with Cushing's Syndrome. My case was caused by a tumor on my pituitary gland. So, at 7:30 AM on August 26, the first day of classes at my university, I had surgery performed on my brain. My tumor is now gone, and I am recovering rather well. I take some hormone replacement medication to help my pituitary along as it recovers. I'm already seeing some of the physical aspects of the syndrome reverse, should be off the medication in a few months, and should be back to 100% myself in 12- 18 months.
Due to the surgery and treatment, I was advised to withdraw from the university for a semester. My brother is a freshman there, so he keeps me posted, and I am loving his stories. He seems perfectly suited to university life.

I truly had the best summer of my life, surprisingly, one dominated by fun and joy rather than fear, which managed to remain so far from me. I feel so blessed, and I am ready to live. I've learned so much. And, I'm writing again. Not very well, and with difficulty, but I am writing. Which is improtant.

Just wanted y'all to know I'm alive. I might post something soon. Maybe. I must learn this new dA. It's been a while.