National Cancer Survivor’s Day

Today is National Cancer Survivor’s Day ~ the first Sunday in the month of June according to Google.  So I found it appropriate to write today as I am also a cancer survivor ~ breast cancer in particular.

I want to honor those who have endured cancer, those who have passed already, those who are enduring the ‘Big C” and those who may be diagnosed in the future.  Most of us have had cancer rear its ugly head in our lives directly or in the lives of loved ones and we have been touched by its tentacles in one way or another.

Cancer as with most illnesses changes the lives of not only the patient, but the friends and the families that it touches.  It changes us all in ways we could never predict.  Cancer can strengthen the bonds of love or it can destroy them.  It can strengthen your soul or it can weaken it.  Cancer doesn’t play fair and it’s up to you in how you allow it to change your life and the lives of your loved ones.

I want to take this opportunity to publicly thank my family, my friends, my loved ones, my doctors and nurses and all whom have touched my life during my cancer journey.  I am ever grateful that I have been loved throughout this journey of endurance and I know that each and every person played a special part in my surviving.  I also am grateful to God for the prayers answered for my highest good, even when I didn’t believe that what was happening was actually a gift.

Cancer changes our lives.  It enriches them in ways we could never imagine and it also can take away in the same breath.  It’s up to you, the survivor, how you view your cancer situation.  Personally I have been all over the map of emotions with my own cancer journey.  I’ve worried.  I’ve been angry.  I’ve been hurt.  I’ve lived in fear.  I’ve lived in peace.  But the one constant has been the love and friendship that I’ve felt during the trials and tribulations.

Love is the answer my friends.  Love is your legacy.  Compassion is key.  Looking outside yourself and into the hearts of others with loving gratitude is required.  So on this special day, I want to honor all of you who have been touched by cancer in every way.  We are all survivors whether we are the patient, the family member or the friend.  We all play a part in the experience and I am truly grateful to each and every person in my life who has been there for me.  I treasure the role each of you played in my life and I love you all.

Shine On!

xo