It has been such a long time since I have written an update on my blog. I'm not sure why. I wish I had some grand reason like I was traveling the world or writing a book, but I don't. I guess I have just been busy living......which, if you have followed my story at all, you know that is a great reason!! I remember the first year after my diagnosis, I wrote a blog about my cousin Dana giving me a Just Keep Livin' bracelet to remind me that I had to be thankful for each day and to continue to live each day to the fullest! I guess since my last blog post I have been doing that! Thanks, Dana!
Anyway, yesterday was 5 years since my second surgery. Believe it or not, I forgot! It took my wonderful niece, Kasey, to remind me! (as we were watching the Steeler game!) This is the first time since my diagnosis in 2010 that I have forgotten one of the dates dealing with my journey. At first, I was upset with myself for forgetting, but then I realized what that meant. It meant that I wasn't living in daily fear anymore and that other things in my life have taken priority over the uninvited friend (that I call Ben) living in my head! It meant that my tumor wasn't in control anymore and that I truly was living each day to the fullest! With that being said though, I was glad that Kasey reminded me and that I had an opportunity to reflect on my journey, which in turn, led me to this blog post.
5 years. So much has happened over the past five years. I remember asking the question WHY so many times after my diagnosis, but I think after five years, I finally know at least a few reasons why. My dad, Luke, and Stacy are just a few of the reasons why I know that God took me on this journey. Let me explain.
My Dad- When my dad was diagnosed with lung cancer a year after my diagnosis, I was able to be his strength when normally he had always been mine. I was able to talk to him about radiation and MRI's and he knew that I understood what it felt like to have something growing inside of you that you didn't want. Until you know what that is like, you can't relate to someone who is experiencing it. I had a connection to my dad during his last 18 months that brought us even closer than we were before. For that bond I will be forever grateful.
Luke- Luke Blanock and his family have become such an important part of my heart and my life. When you think about beautiful people, you think about this family. If I hadn't gone through my own ordeal, I never would have reached out to Luke and his family and I would have missed meeting one of the most amazing teenagers that I have ever known. Luke is battling cancer right now and has recently been given a terminal diagnosis. Getting to know Luke, Katie, Jan and Kurt has been one of my greatest blessings and for this bond I will be forever grateful.
Stacy- Stacy Hurt came into my life through our mutual friend Becky. Becky asked me to pray for Stacy because she was diagnosed with stage 4 rectal cancer. After talking to Becky, I reached out to Stacy on Facebook. If I hadn't gone through my own ordeal, I never would have reached out to Stacy. I knew what she was feeling...the fear, the worry, the confusion. I wanted to offer my prayers, but I also wanted her to know that she had someone to talk to if she ever needed it. Since that first FB message, Stacy and I have become so very close and I can't even imagine my life without her now. She has inspired me on so many levels and I know that our friendship was God breathed. (Genesis 2:7) It was His plan for us to meet and for our bond I will be forever grateful.
There are others as well......Kim W., Tina (Evan), Michelle H.......I know he has led me to you too. I am grateful.
Over the past five years, I have gone from someone who needed support and encouragement to someone who gives support and encouragement. God knew that there would be people in my life that needed me and I wasn't ready to be what they needed five years ago. He prepared me for these situations and for that, I will be forever grateful.
"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28
