I love "So You Think You Can Dance". I used to dance, so I am sucked into watching these contestants grow and mature each week. There is always something that moves me. But last season, one of the choreographers put together a dance honoring those fighting breast cancer. I didn't just have tears streaming down my face, I had a good cathartic cry. I was so moved by how he supported and carried her, just as my friends did me. This video serves as a reminder to me how incredibly blessed I am to be surrounded by the friends I have. There were days that I felt like I was taking a giant leap to nowhere and they were there to catch me just as Ade caught Melissa. My friends let me have my moments to scream and cry. There were days that my friends lifted me up on their shoulders in prayer, love and support and carried me through, just as these dancers finished their routine.
It may not have the same effect on you, but I just wanted to share it today. So much beauty and grace...
Monday, July 12, 2010
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Right Place, Wrong Time
For a week now I had the nagging feeling that I had my final 6 month mammogram this morning (@ 7 am!). I just couldn't shake the feeling - even though my memory is spotty at best these days! But I didn't get a reminder call and I couldn't find it on my calendar, so I wrote it off as a mistake.
Wouldn't you know it at 7:00 this morning an alarm goes off on my phone that my appointment is at 8 am! Talk about a rude awakening! Leave it to me to forget to check the calendar on my phone!
The great thing about living where I do - it only took me 15 minutes to get to the center! I arrive at 7:45 after hastily getting ready and getting my parents to watch "Little Bit" who is still sleeping, only to get a very quizzical look from the receptionist. She can't seem to find me on the schedule or in the computer! Urghhh! After looking for 15 minutes, she FINALLY found me...tomorrow morning! There wasn't a lot of conviction in her voice that I actually did have an appointment, so I decided to call and verify!
The appointment is tomorrow morning. I am scheduled to arrive at 7 am...who scheduled this again??? I am obviously out of my mind thinking that would work! The scheduling coordinator was very helpful and together we enjoyed a good laugh over my showing up a day early! I'm glad I could make someone's day!
This is another milestone. After tomorrow I get to return to mammograms only once a year! In a way I'm going to miss these days. I have been through the women's center so much over the last two years I am an expert. I know where the comfy robes are hidden. I know where the best snacks & beverages are kept. I even know where to find the tv remote! I know most of the staff by name. I get to comfort and encourage other women who are also waiting, some for the first time. And I usually get to do all of this before I wake up most other mornings! Tomorrow will be bittersweet. A clean bill of health means moving on!
So tomorrow, I will be prepared. Now, I just have to set my alarm so I don't over sleep!!
Wouldn't you know it at 7:00 this morning an alarm goes off on my phone that my appointment is at 8 am! Talk about a rude awakening! Leave it to me to forget to check the calendar on my phone!
The great thing about living where I do - it only took me 15 minutes to get to the center! I arrive at 7:45 after hastily getting ready and getting my parents to watch "Little Bit" who is still sleeping, only to get a very quizzical look from the receptionist. She can't seem to find me on the schedule or in the computer! Urghhh! After looking for 15 minutes, she FINALLY found me...tomorrow morning! There wasn't a lot of conviction in her voice that I actually did have an appointment, so I decided to call and verify!
The appointment is tomorrow morning. I am scheduled to arrive at 7 am...who scheduled this again??? I am obviously out of my mind thinking that would work! The scheduling coordinator was very helpful and together we enjoyed a good laugh over my showing up a day early! I'm glad I could make someone's day!
This is another milestone. After tomorrow I get to return to mammograms only once a year! In a way I'm going to miss these days. I have been through the women's center so much over the last two years I am an expert. I know where the comfy robes are hidden. I know where the best snacks & beverages are kept. I even know where to find the tv remote! I know most of the staff by name. I get to comfort and encourage other women who are also waiting, some for the first time. And I usually get to do all of this before I wake up most other mornings! Tomorrow will be bittersweet. A clean bill of health means moving on!
So tomorrow, I will be prepared. Now, I just have to set my alarm so I don't over sleep!!
Monday, July 5, 2010
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Ok, I just had a birthday (on the 4th). And I am very proud to say that I turned 42. Now most women don't want to admit their age past a certain point, but for me birthdays are extremely special in light of all that I've been through the past two years.
The American Cancer Society says that "Happy Birthday" is a victory song. No matter how ridiculous & cheesy (sorry ACS) that may sound to some of you - I have to agree. After someone has received a life changing, life challenging diagnosis birthdays don't mean you are another year older they mean you are another year older! And that's a good thing! Every birthday becomes a milestone - no matter the age. And considering that I finished my last treatment the day before my 40th, I can attest to the sheer joy of watching the numbers go up on my age!
So if the Birthday song is a song of victory, then in my opinion wishing someone birthday wishes is a victory chant! And everyone in your life can join in. It only takes 1-2 seconds (really) but it touches the deepest part of that person. By sharing birthday wishes, you are celebrating life with the birthday boy/girl.
Therefore, I would like to thank all of the incredible people in my life who took time (by tweet, text, FB, email, phone call or card) to wish me a happy birthday! Each one touched me deeply. (I am actually choking up now thinking about it!) Because what those 1-2 seconds of your life shared with me was that I have a life worth celebrating! I am very blessed to have so many people in my world who value me enough to take the time and say "Happy Birthday!"
I love you all bunches and hold you close in my heart!
Thank you again!
The American Cancer Society says that "Happy Birthday" is a victory song. No matter how ridiculous & cheesy (sorry ACS) that may sound to some of you - I have to agree. After someone has received a life changing, life challenging diagnosis birthdays don't mean you are another year older they mean you are another year older! And that's a good thing! Every birthday becomes a milestone - no matter the age. And considering that I finished my last treatment the day before my 40th, I can attest to the sheer joy of watching the numbers go up on my age!
So if the Birthday song is a song of victory, then in my opinion wishing someone birthday wishes is a victory chant! And everyone in your life can join in. It only takes 1-2 seconds (really) but it touches the deepest part of that person. By sharing birthday wishes, you are celebrating life with the birthday boy/girl.
Therefore, I would like to thank all of the incredible people in my life who took time (by tweet, text, FB, email, phone call or card) to wish me a happy birthday! Each one touched me deeply. (I am actually choking up now thinking about it!) Because what those 1-2 seconds of your life shared with me was that I have a life worth celebrating! I am very blessed to have so many people in my world who value me enough to take the time and say "Happy Birthday!"
I love you all bunches and hold you close in my heart!
Thank you again!
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