I am in San Diego for a few days with my family. We came here every summer as a child - as many families from Arizona do to escape the heat.

My Uncle has always owned a condo in Del Mar, just north of San Diego - and we were fortunate to stay there for several weeks each summer…going to the beach at Torrey Pines, the races at the Del Mar Racetrack, Sea World, the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, etc… There is so much to do here.

The time I spent here in the hospital was bittersweet. Certainly, the summer of 1992 was painful in many ways. The surgeries were difficult and I was still trying to heal from physical and emotionaly wounds. However, I was in San Diego - my home away from home. I had my Uncle’s condo at which to recover. I could sit and listen to the waves at the beach. I had family members nearby as a support network while I was away from Notre Dame. It was difficult, but it could have been worse.

San Diego will always hold an emotional place in my heart and in my life. I am thrilled that my husband and children love to come here as much as I do. Even though my home has changed - moved from Arizona to Annapolis - San Diego (Del Mar) remains a constant as my home away from home.