I’m a big dates/memories person (“it’s been this many months/weeks since this happened”, “a year ago this was happening”, etc.). So it’s no surprise that I noted today that it is 7 weeks and 2 days since I found out I probably had cancer again, 5 weeks since we got the biopsy result; one month ago today, I had my first appointment at Cancer Treatment Center, and I have been here 18 days out of the past month.
Not that I’m keeping track. 😂
That doesn’t include dates related to my family - birthdays, wedding days, baby born days, Tucker surgery days, Kelli and John going to and coming home from the Philippines. Lots of important dates!!
One thing they have in common is, they are all in the past. Other than holidays, birthdays and appointment dates, we don’t have the “luxury” of putting future dates on our calendar. We don’t know when we wake up, that TODAY could become a noted date from this point forward. And we sure don’t know the big one -
What day will our life here on earth be over?
I have found that a diagnosis of Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer has definitely affected my perspective. As I mentioned a month or so ago, it’s hard to explain but I have found that this diagnosis truly is a blessing - to be reminded that my time here is limited. Of course, all of us have limited time - I just have had a clear reminder recently. It’s so easy to live our lives here with no regard for their end - and THAT is a dangerous way to live.
We are all immortal - we all will live forever - but THIS part of our lives here on earth is temporary. What we are doing here, how we spend our time, matters, because we have the ability to affect others’ lives for eternity.
It makes me much more conscious of how I spend my day. Am I investing in relationships and actions that have an eternal impact, or am I only worrying about the temporary things here that really don’t matter?
The good news about where I am physically - many people are living longer than what statistics predict for my type of diagnosis. New medicines and focusing on strengthening immune systems are adding years to the lives of people. That is so encouraging - but I am thankful for the reminder to pay attending to the time I have here!!
And in closing - it is 13 weeks and 5 days until Kelli and John and family land in America!! 🌸 Here’s a beach family picture from 3 years ago to celebrate!! 😁
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 NIV
No comments:
Post a Comment