One year ago. November 5-12, 2010. What was to most people just the second week in November turned out to be the most physically challenging week of my life. It was the week I had the killer chemo and transplant of my stem cells. My second birthday! I celebrated today by having lunch with my sisters and mother, my caretakers last year.
I have reflected often this week with gratitude for my life and praise to my Heavenly Father for his gift of this second life. I am well, teaching again, and enjoying many family experiences that I would have missed had I not been spared. Smells are sweeter, the world is more beautiful, and opportunities abound. Tears have been close to the surface as I reflect.
Life has taken on a new perspective for me in many ways. I look at life’s demands with more of an eternal perspective now and decide if it’s worth the time, worry, or stress that I used to place on many things. I’m happier, more grateful, and know with a surety that the Lord is there for me and my Heavenly Father has a plan for each one of us. Our job is to listen and let Him guide us where we are to go and who we are to serve. I have more faith in Him and the paths of my children and desire to sit back and watch with fascination at how the Lord is working in their lives. When life throws in hard things, I remember that anything is better than being in a hospital bed and maybe it’s not as hard as I had once thought it was.
Relationships are still the most important part of this life and I’m grateful for all of you.
