Christmas has always been a special time; however, this year the meaning just seems so much clearer than it ever did. The food tastes better, the people – family and friends – so much dearer, the occasions more special.
Just three weeks after attending my family physician for acute pain in my lower right abdomen, on November 27th, I was diagnosed with a ten-centimeter tumor in my colon. The doctors were clinical and matter of fact. It’s aggressive and fast.
I have always been a spiritual person and so for me there was no such thing as not lifting a prayer and praying hard! Don’t they know (whomever ‘they’ may be) that I’m too young for this? I have a young family – children, a husband that depend on me. I own a business. I have employee’s to think about. Clients who rely on my services. It would be fine to say none of that mattered, but it all mattered – still matters.
Fortunately, there was no hesitation by the medical professionals. By December 2nd I was in the hospital and operated upon. Pins and needles combined with an infusion of positive thinking until the pathology report was received December 9th. Did it spread? Was it in the lymph nodes? What would this means for treatment? How long do I have?
I am blessed. Truly. My doctor gave me my Christmas miracle when he told he got it all in the surgery. The cancer did not spread to my lymph nodes. Yes, I have to have treatments, but that is so secondary at this point. Each day since is like a small piece of sugar that tastes sweeter as I hold it on the tip of my tongue to savour the flavour.
I can’t help but hold onto my kids a little longer. Give them an extra kiss. Watch my words when I would be harsh with them. Remember to laugh when they say something funny to cheer me up. Know that when they report what happened at school, it is important and important to treat it as such. A kiss good bye and a warm hug of greeting is a significant marker in my day for when my husband and I part and reunite. Rebuilding those bonds with my parents and sibling has become a priority for how sad would it be to leave this world and they not know how much I care. Remembering to get together with close friends and lifting a glass grateful for the comradery.
All of these things are the Christmas message every year and each year we try to hold true to that message. It seems trite and preachy to say it should be that way every day, for we all know that to be impossible, but for now, during the holiday season, it is possible. We have all been given the gift of today. For that reason alone, I wish you a Merry Christmas and may the best of life be just what you find in 2014.
Just three weeks after attending my family physician for acute pain in my lower right abdomen, on November 27th, I was diagnosed with a ten-centimeter tumor in my colon. The doctors were clinical and matter of fact. It’s aggressive and fast.
I have always been a spiritual person and so for me there was no such thing as not lifting a prayer and praying hard! Don’t they know (whomever ‘they’ may be) that I’m too young for this? I have a young family – children, a husband that depend on me. I own a business. I have employee’s to think about. Clients who rely on my services. It would be fine to say none of that mattered, but it all mattered – still matters.
Fortunately, there was no hesitation by the medical professionals. By December 2nd I was in the hospital and operated upon. Pins and needles combined with an infusion of positive thinking until the pathology report was received December 9th. Did it spread? Was it in the lymph nodes? What would this means for treatment? How long do I have?
I am blessed. Truly. My doctor gave me my Christmas miracle when he told he got it all in the surgery. The cancer did not spread to my lymph nodes. Yes, I have to have treatments, but that is so secondary at this point. Each day since is like a small piece of sugar that tastes sweeter as I hold it on the tip of my tongue to savour the flavour.
I can’t help but hold onto my kids a little longer. Give them an extra kiss. Watch my words when I would be harsh with them. Remember to laugh when they say something funny to cheer me up. Know that when they report what happened at school, it is important and important to treat it as such. A kiss good bye and a warm hug of greeting is a significant marker in my day for when my husband and I part and reunite. Rebuilding those bonds with my parents and sibling has become a priority for how sad would it be to leave this world and they not know how much I care. Remembering to get together with close friends and lifting a glass grateful for the comradery.
All of these things are the Christmas message every year and each year we try to hold true to that message. It seems trite and preachy to say it should be that way every day, for we all know that to be impossible, but for now, during the holiday season, it is possible. We have all been given the gift of today. For that reason alone, I wish you a Merry Christmas and may the best of life be just what you find in 2014.