Archives

Don’t Lose the Gratitude 🙏

Jun8

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My morning and evening praise is part of living my life deliberately and holding gratitude in my heart. I’ve come this far by faith and I have no intention of letting that go.

Every time I think about my blessings I well up inside. I can’t help giving my testimony and sharing my joy.

Each of us is a miracle and it’s so important to grasp that concept and move through life bearing that knowledge and living for love and peace.

I’ve adopted a personal mantra to refocus on trying days and situations, “Don’t Let the Bad Behavior of Others Destroy Your Inner Peace.”

Each day let us live our truths in peace and harmony. ✌💗

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Deconstructing Love

Jun3

Love is a variety of different feelings, states, and attitudes that range from interpersonal affection (“I love my mother”) to pleasure (“I loved that meal”). It can refer to an emotion of a strong attraction and personal attachment. It can also be a virtue representing human kindness, compassion, and affection—”the unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another”. It may also describe compassionate and affectionate actions towards other humans, one’s self or animals. (Wikipedia)

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While taking a brisk walk around my subdivision and listening to my iPod,”All You Need is Love” began to play. I’ve always felt this John Lennon classic was revolutionary and served up some tremendous food for thought.

Living life with a loving purpose is not easy. Opening up your heart to those who disagree with you. Loving those whom you claim to hate. Understanding that we are all one and what you do to others affects not only their life but yours as well. We are not all good nor all bad.

 

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I’ve mentioned before how I revere and often reference Don Miguel Ruiz’s brilliant guidebook, “The Four Agreements”. He really opened my eyes to a definition of an all-encompassing view of love; accepting the concept that the worse person I can think of is part of me. Cult leader and murderer Charles Manson became my love/acceptance test. If we are all one, then Manson is part of the circle.

To be truthful, I still struggle with the idea that there is a human connection between Manson and myself. However, he is a reminder that the full range of emotions we all possess can be used for the benefit of mankind or its detriment. We decide because we all have the ability to write our own story. Bring to fruition our dreams and desires.

 

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Commit to love and peace 

John Lennon believed this even back in the turbulent times of the 1960’s. “All You Need is Love” is an anthem and vision that we can turn this world around. If we take the leap of faith.

 

 

Hating is easy. Loving can be hard. Our skin is merely a covering. Underneath we are all the same. Spirits created by God.

 

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A Community of Souls

May30

 

Communicating thoughts and ideas are wonderfully enriching effects of writing. I’ve connected with some marvelous people through this medium. Writers are part of a community. A sense that we are connected in our desire to share our emotions, and observations. When we compose with honesty, it can touch the hearts and minds of others who need to know that they are not alone.

Communing through blogging with a fellow breast cancer survivor brought to the forefront of my mind that we all belong to the community of souls.

Love, sadness, fear and joy. All are human. All common bonds we share. 

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The Absolutely Perfect Day!

May26

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My Birthday/Chemo Over Party was absolutely incredible! Words can’t express my heartfelt feelings of appreciation and jubilation. The blessing of sharing this day with my fabulous family and friends was a dream come true! I’d been planning this celebration in my head for months, and my bestie Carmen and her husband, Ron opened up their hearts and beautiful home to make the day complete. I thank you and love you forever!

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I moved away from my family, friends, and hometown of Detroit years ago so I don’t get to share in the day to day moments. When I decided to throw this bash it was very important for me to go home to commemorate the remarkable accomplishments of my colon and breast cancer journey. I am living proof of the power of prayer and the miracle of God. As we traveled back to Charlotte my husband noted that there was a light and expression of happiness on my face that lit up the entire room. 

I’m still grinning, rejoicing and reveling in God’s blessings, grace, and favor!

Wow! What an amazing feeling.

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Celebrate Good Times!

May14

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The day is fast approaching and I am super excited about my upcoming Birthday and Chemo Over Party next Saturday! Gathering with family and friends is such a tremendous blessing.

This past year has truly been a world wind. Last May at this time I was preparing to celebrate my birthday with my buddies, the Minions and my very favorite wizard, Harry Potter at Universal Studios in Florida. It was the perfect way to enjoy and commemorate my 60th birthday. After all, I’m just a big kid at heart.

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Happy Birthday to Me!

Then, only 2 months later, wham! A diagnosis of not one but two unrelated cancers – Colon and Breast. Was not expecting that, but my philosophy was to not assume what would happen throughout the process but trust in God, do my medical research and engage in the fight to survive.

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With the support of friends, family, and the medical community, I was able to not only survive but thrive in what I call my “second chance” at life. Facing this challenge helped me realize the importance of living in the moment and loving out loud. So, I want to tell everyone how much I love them and appreciate the uplifting support I’ve been given. Thank you so very much!

As Dinah Washington once sang, “What a Difference a Day Makes…” I see this celebration as an accomplish not only for myself but for cancer survivors everywhere. So let’s celebrate good times!

Rise – A Relay For Life 👣💜

May9

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Here we are, sharing the walk for those of us who’ve survived and those in remembrance. 

I continue to testify that my cancer journey has been simply amazing! Meeting the bravest and most determined people in spite of and because of our quest for hope and a second chance at life. The Cancer Survivor Dinner and the Relay For Life fundraiser have been a heartwarming introduction to the cancer community.

I was a newbie at Relay For Life but met and celebrated with survivors with varying years of being cancer free. I’ve written about the sense of kinship throughout my journey with doctors, nurses, and technicians and now I can add more fellow cancer patients, volunteers, and caregivers to my inner circle.

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The Relay For Life is all about celebrating our lives and successes while also honoring those who’ve lost the fight. We walked, talked, played games and some even broke out with the Whip and the Nae Nae! 😄

Whip and Nae Nae!

The conclusion of the night featured a sunset lighting of the Luminaries Ceremony. We decorated and left messages of love on each, a beautiful tribute to survivors and lost loved ones. Afterwards, attendees were invited to speak on why they Relay For Life.  The words were moving and emotional. I was feeling too much and didn’t testify, but my husband spoke eloquently and even attributed the quote “never give up, never surrender” from the film Galaxy Quest to me.

A wonderful friend recently dedicated “Rise” by Andra Day to me and this empowering message sums up exactly my sentiments and the determination of cancer survivors everywhere.

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Hope and Gratitude 💖

May5

May 4, 2016

Last night I attended my first Cancer Survivor Dinner. I wasn’t sure what to expect but felt thrilled about connecting with others who’ve been affected by cancer as either a patient or a caregiver.

When my husband and I arrived, we were greeted by smiling and welcoming faces. I was given a “goodie bag” (which I always love!) filled with my survivor tee-shirt for the Relay for Life Event happening on Friday, May 6th an assortment of other purple colored items like an umbrella, a survivor pin, water bottle and other treasures.🎁 The American Cancer Society/Cancer Action Network signature color is purple. (which felt like providence – Prince)

 

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Survivor t-shirt

There was a very positive vibe in the room as others arrived and filled in the decorated tables. I snagged a seat at a table that was right up front. (just like back in school:) I didn’t want to miss a thing. My tablemates all introduced themselves and it felt warm sharing this moment with those who’ve gone through their own cancer journey and could understand the significance of the fight, the hope, and the survival. Like in the Infusion (chemotherapy) Suite,  there was an instant bond.

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The theme of the dinner and mission of CAN – Cancer Action Network is Hope. Never give up. We can do this! I’m all about hope and determination, which I write about. My nature tends to be outgoing so I loved all the other positive and upbeat personalities. As we broke bread we talked about if this was our first time at this event and how it’s grown over the past 3 years.

I also found out that the Cancer Center that took care of me didn’t exist 8 years ago. Listening to the guest speaker, who’s an oncologist with Novant Health (the medical group that organized the Cancer Center), I counted my blessings realizing I was able to take advantage of the union of various doctors – oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, etc, and the nurse navigator, Pat! My nurse navigator “angel”.  This consolidation of medical professionals proves that when we work together as a team we can accomplish so much more!

My Nurse Navigator “Angel” Pat and me!

I’m so grateful for the Huntersville community, my Nurse Navigator – Pat, Novant Health, and the American Cancer Society for enriching my cancer experience with their tremendous support and encouragement!

 

Where Everybody Knows Your Name👼

May3

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One of the positives about all the doctors visits and treatments I’ve had over the past months is the familiarity. I had a Bone Density Test today to establish a baseline as I’ve started my Hormone Treatment for my breast cancer. One of the possible side effects is weakening of the bones. But, just as I announced when I started Radiation and Chemotherapy, NO MAJOR SIDE EFFECTS! It looks like I’ve got good bones to begin with and I plan to keep it that way.

 

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But I digress. My bone density appointment was at my “home away from home” location, the medical center where the chemo infusion suite is located, where I have my mammograms and now testing on bone density. It was warm and reassuring to be greeted by a familiar face, my tech who I worked with before for my mammogram testing. We share a hug and talk about childhood toys and music during the test. (baby boomer like me:) She’s an old friend now and I feel right at home checking in for my regular tests at the medical center.

 

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I also ran into one of my chemo/infusion suite friends and his wife coming out of the elevator. He’s been struggling with his treatments and his body’s reactions. We share a smile of camaraderie as we relate to our cancer journey. After my bone density test, I bop into my oncologist’s office to say hi as I head home for my favorite breakfast/lunch entree – Honey Nut Cheerios. 😊

 

Love and appreciate my “angels” and feel such gratitude for all my blessings. 👼

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Rebirth

Apr18

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I love Spring! It’s a time of renewal. A Rebirth. New buds on the trees, flower petals in bloom, birds springtime chirps.

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I’m a spring baby being born in May, ushering in the smell of newly cut grass and longer days in which to play.

Today I’m feeling my own rebirth. My body renewing the cells destroyed by the chemotherapy drugs and in the process generating my second life. 

Feeling Alive!

Thank you, God 💖

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