One year ago today was one of the worst days of my life. If you have been following my story, you know it was the day that I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. It is amazing how those few words, "We think you have Lymphoma," can turn your entire world upside down in an instant.
I think this past year was the longest year, yet the fastest year of my life. I know that probably doesn't make any sense. But while I was in it, things just seemed to crawl by but now that it is over it seems like it happened in a flash.
It is hard to believe that in one year that I could have such ultimate devastation and in that same year experience such victory.
One thing is for sure, I will never be the same. It has changed me in a way that I never knew possible and I don't even think I have even become aware of the most of these changes yet.
It has also given me a whole new platform to minister from and for that I am grateful.
So, as I look on this past year I feel relief that it is over. I feel joy that I was able to get through it. I feel some sadness at the time that I feel I lost and I feel conviction to make the most of the time I have from here on out. But most of all, I just feel thankful.
I feel thankful to God for being right there with me and for keeping me here for my family. I feel thankful for the amazing husband I have that truly stood by my side and completely lived out that "in sickness and in health" thing. I am so thankful for the hearts that my children have and how they handled "mommy being sick" for so long. I am grateful to my family and friends and for all you did for us this past year. I am thankful for the strangers who have also supported us. It has been truly inspiring. I am thankful for the countless prayers that have been said on our behalf.
I am truly just grateful for life.
As I watch in amazement and wonder how this journey has changed my family, I reflect on my favorite moments from the past year. Here are just a few of them:
1.) When my friends and family surprised me outside of the cancer center after my last chemo treatment.
2.) The staff at the doctor's office throwing confetti and playing a funny song after my radiation was complete.
3.) Hearing the news that I was finally cancer free. Going to lunch with my hubby to celebrate and just sitting there sobbing at the table when it finally hit me - It. Was. Finished.
4.) The prayers from my children throughout the journey - "Please God, make mommy's sickness go away."
5.) The prayers of my children after it was finished, "God, thank you for making mommy's cancer go away."
6.) Connecting with friends from long ago.
7.) Making some new friends along the way.
8.) Being able to share my thoughts, feelings, heartache, joy, and everything else along the way on here with you. :-)
Thank you for reading.
Blessings,
Andrea
If you are interested in reading about my journey starting on this day one year ago, here are the links for the first week. I still can't make it through them as it is so very emotional each time I start to read them. Maybe you will have better luck. :-)
Prayer Request
Day 1: The Shock
Day 2: A Day of Rest
Day 3: A Peace Beyond All Understanding
Day 4: Being "Normal"
Update!
Come Rejoice With Me!!!
Day 5&6: The Whirlwind
Day 7: Fatigue
Happy Reading!
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