I really do like my life, even with this stupid cancer hanging over my head. I am doing things I really enjoy – hiking, time with friends and family, art. Even when I’m dealing with sadness, I am still very happy with life.
There is so much to be grateful for. My health is good, all chronic conditions aside. I can be active. I feel good. I look healthy. I am pain free.
I have so much love in my life. My husband, Reil, is supportive. He is my rock, in a quiet, supportive way. When the kids are in bed, we watch tv, and he holds my hand. He gives me comfort and sends me strength. And I don’t even know if he realizes it.
I have two wonderful kids who motivate me to keep healthy, even when, or perhaps particularly when, they fight or annoy one another. I plan to be here when the eye-rolling and under the breath mumbling stops. When they reach the age where they realize that moms really do know something after all. (That day will come, won’t it?)
I have friends who make me laugh, give me support, challenge me, give me cocktails, give me hugs. They’ll let me talk about life with cancer – the pain, the blessings, the annoyances – but won’t ever let me define myself by the cancer inside me. They keep me involved and connected.
I have strong support systems, and am building more through different cancer groups in the area. Whether it is the family group, where all four of us find support and camaraderie; cooking or art classes that allow me to meet and create with other women; my weekly cancer support group; or my blogging community (hello!), I am building relationships with others on this path.
I have outlets that can help me cope. I hike and walk for the therapeutic benefits, both physical and emotional. I make crafts and do art. I play games. I read, more slowly than I used to, but I read. There are lots of things I want to do, to accomplish in whatever time I have left. It’s just more concentrated than it used to be.