The progression of living tends to be measured in milestones. Births, weddings, graduations . . . funerals. Ones that we accomplish on our own, others that we share/witness, some that we'd wish to forget altogether - within our family, our community, our nation and our world. Those significant moments that string together to create a lifetime.
Being a cancer patient in many respects heightens those occasions. Each patient has a different journey - encompassing diagnosis, treatment and outcome - be it manageable or terminal, that affects them and those around them. In my line of work, I have been exposed to the reality of people hoping and praying for just a few more months, weeks or days in order to reach one of their desired milestones. In my cancer life, I have been fortunate enough to not have to confront that possibility, yet have gained an enhanced appreciation for some of the simpler events that I have been able to participate in.
As the year draws to a close (though in some respects it is merely an artificial conclusion of one period and beginning of another - January 1 is really also just December 32), whatever your health situation may be, there is justification for looking forward, backward and all around to be aware of who we are and what we have. The positive AND the negative milestones that represent the "anthology" of an existence, and how we have dealt with each landmark along the voyage.
