Two Years Ago

This is not something that I normally write about on my blog, it is not something that I have hid from my readers either. As I have gone through this month though I have had many times when I have reflected back to two years ago. I sometimes shudder to remember that year, while I rejoice that I am here to celebrate with Papa and Selena.

I will never forget when I first got the diagnosis of cancer. I drew in a deep breath, gathered every ounce of strength I could muster and prepared to face this head on, determined that with the grace of God I was going to beat it. My treatments started on December 1, 2008. I was definitely not prepared, no Christmas shopping had been done that year, no tree to decorate, and no plans at all for Selena’s birthday.

My treatments were all done in Olympia. When a church family opened their home to us so that we would be closer for my treatments and assistance with Selena and transportation to and from my treatments, feeling very blessed, we packed our bags and went over  there to stay. We would come home for the weekends, but I did not have the energy to think about the holidays.

Selena’s birthday came, and I realized we didn’t even have a cake for her. I thought how hard would it be for me to bake a cake for her? Papa went and got me the cake mix and the frosting. I set forth to make her a cake, I used what I had for decorations. When I look at the picture now, I laugh at how it turned out, but Selena was sure a happy camper.

Of all luck, the week before Christmas we were hit with 9 inches of very wet snow. We were pretty much snowed in. I know that doesn’t sound like much, but for over here it is. We could not get home for Christmas. Again my thoughts went to the fact that we had no tree, only a couple of presents, no decorations, and now we couldn’t get home. Selena had to watch the family we were staying with open their gifts while there was nothing for her. I cried inside, my heart sunk.

We finally made it home and had a late Christmas. It wasn’t long after that we made the decision to just come home and finish my treatments out with Papa driving me back and forth, then going on to work.

I look back on this time though and realize just how much I learned about “ME” I learned that I had more of an inner strength then I ever thought, my faith carried me through, and the love from Papa and Selena kept me getting up everyday to get the things done that needed to be done. The true gifts in life especially at this time of year, is not the gifts under the tree, it is the love that surrounds us, our family, friends and our faith that we are never a lone.

Merry Christmas!