Today marks the 2-year anniversary of my cancer diagnosis. That is so wild to think about. I am happy to report I am cancer free and I feel amazing! Such a crazy journey that feels like a lifetime ago. It took me a while to get to a mindset where it was not all I thought about. I used 2019 to really work on rebuilding mind, body and spirit. In the meantime, I grew some hair…I have a bob now…so proud. They take a new picture of me each time I go to the doctor for my chart, and they always say, ‘wow!’ I have come a long way.
Cancer was something I never saw coming, and one I could have never imagined in my lifetime. Very similar to this COVID -19 life we are all experiencing. I never thought this could play out the way it has and yet, here we are…in our homes. It is bringing back some of the good things that happened during my cancer journey. The opportunity to just ‘Be Still’…honestly, it is rather peaceful. Think about it, when are you ever going to have a time in your life where you have zero (outside) commitments? I hope you can let yourself enjoy it a little…you deserve a break from running the roads, ball practice, dance practice, PTA and junior league meetings. Honestly, it is not all roses over here, we are all going a little crazy with all the togetherness and I have seen a couple of claws come out. In the midst of it all though, some really great things have come out of this. For instance, Mallery learned to cut the grass on the riding lawn mower, Mike has been home to sit down and eat dinner with his family for 2 weeks now, and we all play in the yard and take walks in the neighborhood. There was no time for this before, or was there? We all get so busy, but this is twice now that God has put something in my life to say slow down and listen. I have never seen so many families out walking and riding bikes in my neighborhood or people sitting on their porches. It makes my heart happy.
We will all experience different events in our lives that will test us and push to our limits. God is talking to us through each one, but we must be still and listen. If we are distracted, we are sure to miss the signs He is sending us. In every season He refines us, teaches us, and strengthens us into who we were created to be. We won’t always understand why we must endure certain trials, but I believe there is always a purpose. His timing is always perfect, and He makes no mistakes. I am grateful for my cancer journey even though there were many days I questioned why this was happening to me, and days I wanted to give up. It made me open my eyes to my surroundings and take in my blessings. I am intentional in my present day, and I try not to worry about tomorrow. My hope is in Jesus, and I know the plan is perfect.
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens…a time to plant and a time to uproot.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1-2
“Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him” – Matthew 6:8
Here is to another year cancer free!
Live each day big, for you never know what tomorrow will bring.
All my love,
Rachel