The Five Month Marker

It’s been five months since my mom was diagnosed with Stage 4 endometrial sarcoma and as I stated at the beginning of this blog, cancer will teach you a lot if you let it.

I have learned that what seemed important and significant yesterday, is not so today and now. We are an over scheduled society addicted to doing everything in the fast lane. We assume that we can put off tomorrow, what we might like to do today – don’t let that happen to you.

My family has always been close, but like so many things in life, you get wrapped up in your own life that you sometimes forget to see the beauty in the smallest of things. Take time to appreciate the breeze across your face, the birds chirping in your back yard and the joy in just being still and acutely aware of all the beauty around you.

There days when you have no idea what to say or do and that’s okay –sometimes just being on the side of the bed, letting someone know you are there gives them all the strength in the world – find the joy in that.

Look for your blessings in the most difficult of times. I promise they are there if you truly look for them with open eyes. And take the time to celebrate them. When blood counts are high, chemo side affects seem less, stubble grows back – find the joy in that and be grateful. They are all small blessings that work together to move you forward.

Find your Lifesong – we each have precious gifts that can bring comfort and joy to those when they need it most. Whether it is through similar experiences, food, humor, time …whatever it is, let your gifts sing as loud as they can during this journey.

My mom will tell you that I have a pretty good sense of humor (it’s a common trait for all her kids) and I have realized that humor is the prelude to faith and laughter is the beginning of prayer.

Speaking of my mom – that has been my greatest discovery along this journey, I always knew what a precious gift she has been to this family. I always knew that she had an unsurpassed strength, faith and compassionate soul that just makes people want to be close to her … but she has raised those attributes to a new level. It's amazing how many people will say that she is an inspiration. My eyes fill with tears and my heart dances with joy each and every time she enters a room.

I am grateful to have been able to walk with her on this journey. I once told her that we would get through this together – and we have. There were times when it was not easy for her and I think that is when it got to me most. But we made it mommy, maybe a little slower and with a little less hair – but we made it! We are half way there and you are kicking cancer's ass!!

I am so proud of you for being so courageous and not considering forgoing treatment. You have a lot more life to share and so many things to see...and perhaps one more grandchild on the horizon.

Ti voglio bene!

At the end of the day, if you can look back and know that you loved a little longer, spoke a little softer, offered comfort to those who needed and walked with an open and kind spirit – then cancer has bestowed its blessing upon you.

ChemoSabe