Reflection

I am overwhelmed this Christmas.  I have so much to be thankful for!  2012 has been an "interesting" year to say the least!! Ups and downs:   I was nominated Teacher of the Year for my school for 2011-2012, we lost a very dear friend to a horrible disease, I was diagnosed with non Hodgkins lymphoma, and the list goes on and on...Many highs and many lows but this has been an AMAZING year in so many ways too!!    

I told my mom this week that I get a little choked up while buying Christmas gifts this year. The gifts are chosen very carefully with much thought going into them. I always do this, but this year, it just seems to mean so much more to me.  

I am so grateful for my family!  We have weathered many storms together and I am SOOO glad I have them to help me along this path of life.  I honestly don't think I would have enough words to express how much I love them.  Each one of them!   

I have been blessed through friendship this past year in a mighty way.  God put a couple of ladies across my path several years ago but through all of "this", we have grown so close.  They have laughed, cried, prayed, and simply loved.  My daddy always told me: "Em, if you can count on ONE HAND 5 GREAT friends.  You've been truly blessed!"  He is soooooo right on the money with that statement!  Two women, in particular, have truly stood in the gap for me over the past 8 months and I don't know what I would have done without them.  They have helped me keep my eyes on the goal, picked me up on some rough days, held my hand and let me cry, and encouraged me all along the way. 

Yes.  I am truly overwhelmed this Christmas season.  God is good!!


Until next time,

E

Another milestone

I conquered another milestone in this season of my life today.  I completed the St. Jude 5K.  I am very pleased to tell you that my official time was 34 minutes.  (Pretty good for a girl whose body has been put through the RINGER the past 7 months, dontcha think?!?)  

I didn't cross that finish line alone either.  My awesome brother and sister-in-law never left my side (even when I had to stop and walk a minute).  Today was another emotional day for me.  Actually, this past WEEK has been emotional.  No, I do not need to take anti-depressants--it's simply part of this battle that is raging on and I think it's perfectly normal and GOOD for me to release these emotions (sorry if you happen to be the one who "sets" the tears off--it's not "you" --just quite simply the ride of this journey).


I actually think I am going to frame this year's race bib and medal alongside my last year's full, 26.2 marathon race bib and medal.  After all...these are my two marathons.  :0)  


I head back to the hospital for round #10 next week.  Last week's visit to my oncologist was a good visit.  He said my blood counts and all of my levels "look GREAT!".  Praise the Lord!!   I am so thankful and blessed beyond measure.

I took numerous pictures along the way today that I plan on posting as soon as I figure out how!  HA!  It's been a year since I've done that and I am going to have to call my sis-in-law to walk me through the process.  Not a "techi" person...my friend that passed away this year always made fun of my lack of knowledge in this area....that's what friends are for, right?!  LOL 

Anyway--I'm off to rest and relax.  Wishing you a wonderful weekend!!  God bless you!!

Until next time,

E