Birthdays

Birthdays take on a whole new perspective once you are diagnosed with cancer.  The possibility that this could be the last one takes a position at the front or back of the mind based on the nature/progression of the disease and the attitude/outlook of the patient.

Without grasping for straws or putting on rose-colored glasses (some may accuse me of possessing Rosen-colored glasses), I look at the science and data behind MY unique situation and there is room for hope – much room for hope.  So with this most recent natal anniversary (and coming so close on the heels of my diagnosis), I chose to celebrate the moment and those yet to come.

I received many lovely birthday cards brimming with powerful prayers and warm wishes.  Many of them also acknowledged the “tough year ahead.”  I don’t deny that challenge, but I also won’t ignore the very real feasibility of another birthday, and then another and another and so on.  And recent joyous events (ie: the engagement of our third daughter, Sara), are just more reminders of: how time marches on – taking us with it in its wake; there is much to celebrate today – in the face of this disease; and that there is much to live for – being hopeful for sharing this joy with family and friends in the future.

Happy Birthdays to you.

Happy Birthdays to me.

Happy Birthdays to us.