I'm a cancer survivor. My first diagnosis was seven years ago. I required surgery and six weeks of radiation. A year to the day later, I was diagnosed with early stage one cancer, this time in my left breast. More surgery and more radiation. That same year, I lost my father to cancer and almost lost my mother to a brain injury and heart issues. Life was a horrible roller coaster ride and I wanted to get off, but it's also a short ride. I decided then that I was not going to be afraid to let the people I love know that I loved them.. no matter to what degree that love reached. If they didn't love me back, that was ok. I decided not to take life for granted and to live each day with no regrets. Somewhere along the way, I forgot that. I slipped back into the same old routines I always had.. work and home with some play. I didn't do a lot of the things I wanted to do.
Yesterday I got the news that one of my best friends through high school and after college had passed away suddenly that morning. Her name was Tami. We had lost touch over the years and had only recently reconnected on Facebook. She had done so much with her life and had big plans to do even more. I was thrilled to hear all about her life since our days of running around. Then all of a sudden, she was gone. I was stunned. It was too soon. Her passing had my thoughts turning again to all the things I wanted to do, but hadn't. She had done so much with her life and I felt as though I had done so little.
So today, I reflected and decided to follow her lead and live life so everyday is special. When I lay my head down at night, I want to know I lived the best I could. I am going to get out more, dance, play, volunteer, love and live. I'll let you know how it goes.
Thank you Tami, you lived well. You will be missed.
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