Certainly a year to remember and to be thankful for.
After a large kidney stone removal in February 2017, we found out that she also was diagnosed with renal kidney failure, than in December 2107 she was diagnosed with a malignant facial tumor in her upper right cheek.
The 20 hour operation was February 8 and it's hard to believe it is almost nine months since. 
Diane's last MRI in August was all positive and no sign of cancer, her next checkup is not for another year. Also her kidneys have improved and there is no more danger if dialysis.
Of course her physical struggle is not quite over, the recovering facial nerve and the loss of the upper jaw presents daily challenges. 

Here is a little excerpt of a thank you note from March 2018 that Diane wrote:
I haven’t been able to find the words.  To thank all of you for all of your help, and affection, and cards, and food…and every kindness.
I realize love is all I’ve ever wanted…and your love carried me through.
it was a large part of my decision to proceed with surgery,
My other option was to die slowly….with good drugs. (the tumor contained a slow growing cancer…where my jaw, eyes, brain, muscles meet)
Wolfgang and I have both been working since we were 14 years old…and somewhat more. We have never accumulated financial wealth.  We live day to day, week to week… on what we can create financially in that day or week…nothing extra.  
Your love and concern has lifted our hearts and brought me to tears.
I will probably not be able to work again until Fall of this year.  
Wolfgang will, as he often does, carry the weight.  

Well, here it is Thanksgiving
and Diane has picked up some small jobs thanks to the Memphis Community.
So on we plow, keeping this beautiful place alive. Showing Memphis and surroundings that we still got it.
Diane was out all day today, blowing leaves, that's the spirit. We still here and love what we do...    Happy Thanksgiving!