Oh no, not I...I will survive!

At first I was afraid, I was petrified....kept thinking I could never live... but I did!!

Okay, enough on the Gloria Gaynor hit (although it is one of my faves, of songs that came out the year I was born). I am excited to share that on 1/30, I will celebrate my 28th year of being in remission after taking my last chemotherapy treatment!

I was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma at the age of 17 and that was by far one of the more difficult journeys in my life, and one that I can’t fully appreciate since it was at such a young age. I know that there are many that celebrate a similar milestone and have been through similar or much more traumatic experiences, some even going through it multiple times. I am not special by any means but believe when we are given a second chance at life, we must celebrate it! As busy as things can be and how crazy my life can seem at times, as I approach this time of year I am always stopped in my tracks to pause and reflect on it.

My journey with cancer and how God saved my life, was one of several significant moments of my as life that made me believe that pain happens for a purpose. Having cancer made me a better person. It taught me to think about life differently, and love it to the fullest. It taught me to empathize with other people more deeply and care about their feelings and experiences much more intimately. It also changed the trajectory of my life - I met my husband, had my two amazing boys and my career path as a result of that shift in my life and wouldn’t have it any other way!

Have you had a really difficult trial and think that it’s possible it was happening to lead you to something better, help you grow and learn, or help somebody else?

Check out Proverbs 3:5-6 - it is my favorite verse and really connects to and has guided me through every challenge I have faced.