You’ve probably seen a lot of people recently posting on social media about gratitude and giving thanks. Many of my friends do a gratitude countdown to Thanksgiving in November. I love reading these, as I’m a big believer in expressing thanks and gratitude. To people, as it means much to hear kind words. To yourself,
I recently celebrated another birthday, being spoiled by family and friends. I realized this birthday that I have been a cancer survivor longer than I have not. Many emotions swirl with that thought. If you follow my Instagram feed or read my last blog, you know I recently had surgery to replace parts of my
Fourteen years ago, my dad died from multiple myeloma, an incurable cancer of the blood. He was in his mid-50s. The ache of missing him never leaves, the tiny hole in my heart still empty. I miss everything that is him, even the faults. And for the longest time, I felt responsible for his death.
When I was diagnosed at 21 years old with bone cancer, I knew my life would change. Little did I know just how much it would change (you really have no clue even when people try to prepare you). Being diagnosed on the cusp of adulthood set the course for my life to journey down
I’m fortunate to be raised by two amazing parents who didn’t hesitate to show my sisters and me support, encouragement, love, laughter, and respect (with some rules sprinkled in too). My parents balanced each other in so many ways. I had a different, but close, relationship with both my mom and dad. Even though cancer took
A fellow cancer survivor friend recently completed her treatment protocol (yea!) and asked me how to face life after cancer. This started a conversation about the “new normal” after cancer. It generated a swirl of questions and thoughts for me on navigating this journey. Being diagnosed at 21 years old significantly changed my life, and
When I started treatment for a bone cancer diagnosis at the end of my senior year in college, I was grateful to meet other cancer patients who shared their experiences, tips and lessons. While nothing can completely prepare you for the wild ride called cancer, it helped to have some knowledge to lean on, and
“This year I will be more thoughtful of my fellow man, exert more effort in each of my endeavors professionally as well as personally, take love wherever I find it, and offer it to everyone who will take it. In this coming year I will seek knowledge from those wiser than me and try to
As we enter the last week of this year, I can’t help but pause to reflect on the year it’s been for me. I labeled 2017 as my Best.Year.Yet, and it certainly brought a lot of hype and lessons throughout the 12 months. I admittedly think (and hope) we can do better so look out
It’s been a little over a year that I purchased my road bike. It’s been quite a year…okay, for reasons also off the bike, but what a year it’s been thanks to my new bike. A journey, possibly even an awakening, something I’ve been waiting for. Maybe that sounds silly and doesn’t make sense, or
