A New Beginning

I am, as I write this, receiving my last chemo treatment.  And I am amazed at the person I am today as compared to who I was exactly 7 months ago.  I am certainly more versed on all things breast cancer and have met unbelievable care givers (that’s Sailor, my chemo nurse, in the photo below).  But there’s so much more.

I look around me at least once a day and think how glad I am to be alive.  Without sounding like the proverbial Pollyanna, I love the rain and the sun.  I love the hot and the cold.  I love the flowers and the brightly colored leaves. The seasonal changes I have witnessed through this saga have mirrored the wisdom I’ve gained, taking me from a spring neophyte to an autumal wise woman.

I am incredibly greatful that my body was so strong at my diagnosis.  It carried me down this road with ease (making thousands of crunches and very few french fries worth it!).

I have been humbled by the flowers, cards, calls, love and prayers I’ve received.  Makes me realize that when others are cheering for you, you really do succeed more easily.

I am convinced this saga has strengthened the love my husband and I have for one another.  While some might have felt pity for him being forced into a drama he hadn’t signed up for, it has allowed my extended family to view first hand how deep his love is for me.

I am once again moved by the love of my children (both the biological and those I’m newly-blessed with), who lifted my spirits with visits, phone calls, flowers and lots of laughter.

Finally, and maybe most poignantly, I am greatful for having had the opportunity to face this kind of adversity.  It’s easy for us to look at those who suffer and mumble (with good intention), “I understand.”  I really DO get it now.  I have seen those far sicker than I am, and believe with all my heart there is purpose to everything, even cancer.

The take away lessons: never forget your blessings, never give up without a fight, never forgo holding out a hand to those less fortunate.  And as an experience such as this teaches, there are always those whose life is less fortunate than yours.