I’m Still Standing!

It’s time to celebrate ~ my second year of survival of cancer.

It’s also time to be grateful.

I believe the number one reason I am still here today is because of all the people who have reached out to me with such love and care since my diagnosis!

Great thanks and love ~  ~

~to my husband for having to balance caring for me and for himself as we both travel on this difficult journey!

~to my sons. They have each been there for me. Phil has lived with my daily care with numerous journeys to the cancer center and seems to have the uncanny ability to know what I need. Tim is available on a moment’s notice and seems to call just when I need someone to call or realized I needed a ride. Steven comes into town and pushes me to walk and rejoin the world on days when I didn’t want to, but needed to; he’s helped me find my energy when I just wanted to lay on the couch forever.

~to my siblings who have all reached out in their many different and kind ways to let me know how important I am to each of them. Since both our parents and their siblings died young we have all been on “cancer watch” and have lived our lives in the moment, especially since, as one brother so aptly stated, some of us are beyond our expiration date.  They haven’t stopped pushing me to continue living my life and not let pancreatic cancer own every moment.  

~to my “fan club” who have sent at least one hundred cards and well wishes. I never knew how much a simple card can mean! I also received gifts and gifts and gifts! Prayer shawls, candy, treats, books, plants, pictures, heartfelt sayings, special religious items, clothes, socks, drive-by coffee dropped off in the front yard, special foods dropped on my porch, meals for my family, gift certificate for delivered food, activity books, blankets – I’m sorry I can’t even remember it all. The first year felt like it was a weekly Christmas.

~to everyone who has asked how I’m doing. As much as I want to live my life as normal as possible, I also don’t want my struggle ignored.

~ for all the calls and texts. People are afraid to call, but it can be terrible when no one calls. Since each person’s illness journey is different, I especially like when people have asked how they could stay in touch. I can ignore the calls when I can’t talk. I can talk when I need to. I liked when people remembered a tough day and sent a text to just say they were thinking about me.  

~for all the invitations. Wow!  I was not forgotten! I was included!  I went everywhere when I had those well moments. I have loved the walks, coffees, lunches, shopping, book clubs, parties, plays and sharing a glass of wine. I also appreciate those who have helped drive me to appointments. I’m blessed with such great friends.

~for all the prayers and prayer and prayers. I sincerely believe in the power of prayer. Thanks to my high school besties who reached out to a priest in Door County for me to receive the Sacrament of the Sick as they surrounding me with their love. I believe in it’s power.

Sometimes we don’t know what to do for someone when there really isn’t anything you can do. Throughout this journey, through the kind reaching out of everyone I know, I have learned what I can do for someone else. 

I hope this list of thanks helps you for other people in your life when they have a moment of need and there’s nothing you can do.  With your help, we can all remain standing!

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