Thirteen years ago today, I got the news that I had melanoma. Anyone who has been dealt the cancer card knows that your world comes to a grinding halt while your mind races with a thousand thoughts. Those problems at work or being upset with someone disappear immediately. The past, the present, the future – will I be here to enjoy it with family and friends? What’s next? If only? What if?
I was lucky. While the cancer was a “level three” and they removed three lymph nodes, they got it in surgery and I didn’t need chemo or radiation. I was lucky. Friends and family who have gotten cancer have endured chemo, radiation, procedures, drugs, chronic pain and more. I am inspired by each one of them every day.
In the beginning, the reality forces you to take a hard look at what you are doing with your life and question is it worthy of your mind, heart and soul. The answers to the questions often lead to good life changes.
So each year, I celebrate and remember with gratitude and a renewed sense of urgency to not live life so urgently. To stop over complicating, to love more and to appreciate the blessings that surround me right now. I was lucky. I am lucky. Lucky 13, indeed.