Tuesday May 06, 2008
Tuesday May 06, 2008
When I learned I had cancer I stopped living in the future or past. My full attention was riveted on the "now". I remember talking to ladies who were many years out, thinking I cannot even wonder about tomorrow or next week, let alone 5 years. But with all the thanks I can offer, here I am, alive, well, healthy and kicking.
For me, and for many of my cancer friends, this anniversary doesn't cause us to want to celebrate with a big party or woo-hoo's or high fives. I want to enjoy each moment of my day today being fully present, and and just thankful. I want to reflect on all the positive ways cancer has changed my life, and set aside the losses and not dwell on those.
I think I'll go run 5 miles now, a mile for every year passed from "C" day.....to honor of all those who were by my side through out this 5 year journey.....to remember all those who did not get to have a 5 year anniversary from cancer. God bless you.
There is so much I adore about this post.
1) a 5-year cancer-free anniversary is a huge one in the Cancer world. If anyone doesn't know - 5 years is usually a big milestone. When you reach this milestone, you can really start to feel yourself pulling away from the darkness...I don't know if this is how you feel, Barb, but I know I anxiously await the day David & I can say "5 years"...
2)Going to run 5 miles - it may seem like a small thing (not to me, who can barely run 2!) but to say that so easily after what your body has endured the past 5 years - it's enormous. I hope you enjoy every moment of this run today, and remember those days when you couldn't imagine lifting a finger, much less pumping your legs up and down in a good run...
3) Enjoying the present - I think the first time we went through this, I didn't really get it. I mean, I learned a lot. But knowing what I know NOW, it was only a glimpse of what I was to learn - the living in the present and enjoying each moment is something every human should do, not just those with cancer - but we are definitely the lucky ones who get it. What a wonderful way to live.
Lots of love to you, and congratulations!!!!!!!
Posted by christin on May 06, 2008 at 02:49 PM MDT #
You're an inspiration to me Barb. Really. God bless you.
Posted by melanie gao on May 06, 2008 at 11:23 PM MDT #
Christin and Melanie, Thank you! I guess we all inspire each other! How cool is that??? Barb
Posted by Barb on May 07, 2008 at 11:06 AM MDT #