One Bad Month Don't Spoil the Whole Life Girl!
(Sing to the tune of 'One Bad Apple' by The Osmonds)

One of my favorite places...Ormond Beach Florida!

I remember watching the movie 'Parenthood'.  The best scene was grandma as she described grandpa taking her on the roller coaster  "You know, it was just so interesting to me that a ride could make me so frightened, so scared, so sick, so excited, and so thrilled all together! Some didn't like it. They went on the merry-go-round. That just goes around... Nothing. I like the roller coaster; You get more out of it."

Life with its ups, downs and upside down loops sure does feel like a roller coaster. Isn't that what makes life a great adventure?

This past month my fight with cancer has been a true roller coaster ride. Two surgeries,  a BAD reaction to anesthesia from both surgeries, slow wound healing and the list goes on and on. But, during this past month there were also some ups.  

I realized just HOW GREAT my family is; I mean I always knew they were great, but spectacularly awesome is the best way to describe them. They rallied around me. They helped anyway they could. Don't get me wrong I knew that they loved me. I knew they would do anything for me. But when you're the Momma whom everyone relies, and then all the sudden you can't even take care anything or anyone.  It's a great blessing to know that the ones that you usually care for have no problem taking incredible care of you. I just want to thank my family for being there.  

Even though it was one of the hardest months ever for me, I learned some very important lessons. 

•  I learned family is a treasure you never want to waste. My family has always been close knit. But when you go through something like cancer it really shows you what your family is made of. Family and friends are our greatest gift.  Love and respecting each other fills your heart and helps make the roller coaster less scary. I learned that it's OK to ask for help and it's OK to rely on others.

• I also learned that there is usually a reason for everything, and if we are lucky will find out what that reason is in this lifetime. When I first was diagnosed, after I was done crying for a bit, I asked God what is the purpose? How is this going to change me? How is it going to help others? I asked these questions because I truly believe what was meant for my harm, God would turn it around for good. (John 10:10)                                                 Through this past month I have seen some of the good that has already been happening because of my diagnosis.  Ladies that haven't had mammograms in years went and got theirs.  One lady who kept putting off her mammogram was checked and found out she had very early staged cancer. She's going to be fine because she went and got checked in time. I've met other cancer survivors;  these amazing, strong women are fighting this horrible disease with strength and grace. I'm talking about serious ,tough as nails women! You think a WWF wrestler is tough? Not even close to how tough a cancer fighter is.

• I also learned that when you're in the fight for your life it shows you how much you have to live for and what is truly important. Negativity can rob you of time with family and friends. I've adopted a philosophy a dear friend shared with me and I love it. 'Bless and Release'  if there is someone negative or something weighing you down and it is sucking the very life out of you the best thing to do is say, 'God bless you! I wish the best for you!'  then LET IT GO. Focus on the people who want to be there with you in life.  

When you are told you have cancer much of what you thought was important really isn't. Complaining and negative feelings about things that will not matter or make no difference to your life becomes crystal clear for what it truly is - a complete waste of precious time.

My priorities have changed. I am slowing down; enjoying what makes a life truly rich. I want to walk on the beach (pictured above) again with Smokin Hot hubby, watch my grandson grow up, and be around for children. I am doing my best to look at life and all the blessings, big or small, it has for me. I want to live in the moment and to make memories with my loved ones.

I'd like to end this blog post with something I wrote a year or two back .

"Ever notice we complain about where we are in the present moment but in a few years we are longing for the moment back? Our kids to be small again...our parent to be here...our health...our relationships. Maybe you're going through something right now. Know that through your struggle You are still living. You are traveling your life journey right now. Don't miss life because of the struggle!  Live and treasure life in spite of the struggle. Life has seasons but in every season there is a life to live."

Thank you for the kind letters, messages, and comments. I appreciate each one of you. 

Take care of yourselves! 

Lar

***Next Tuesday I'll be sharing a recipe that I know your family will love.***  

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Love this sign I saw hanging up in Betty's Cafe!