Dear Me: The hour is drawing near when you will start your "new life". YOU CAN DO THIS. You have been through many trials and tribulations in your life and have survived them all. Yes, you still have tears at times from memories of them, but you made it through. You have gone your entire life with this weight being a burden. It has always been in the back of your mind in almost every situation. That will soon be over. You have made it almost to 40 (can you believe?) and are a stronger, better person for it. Everyone knows you are young at heart and you have a lot of years left to live. You have been blessed with a loving family, good friends, and a truly amazing daughter that you have basically raised yourself. You may have never been in that perfect relationship, but at least you know who your soulmate is. Some people never know. He knows who he is too. You have been a good mother, a good friend, and a good daughter and sister. You deserve this. Please let yourself be happy and hopeful and take on tomorrow with a positive attitude toward yourself. God has provided you with the best of surgeons. He will watch over you and hold you while you are in the OR. He will be with your surgeon and his staff. Always remember, faith is the substance of all things hoped for. Take that step of faith and trust in God that He will see you through this and deliver you safely to "the other side" to join the others you have been blessed to meet. Have a long, happy, healthy life. It's about time you did something like this for yourself to help you be the person you want to be. Take care of yourself, stay positive, keep the faith, and go enjoy your new life. Love - Tracy