One Year Anniversary…
One year ago today, we renewed our vows with all of the family present, even including the snow-bird Finers (Susan’s in-laws) from Iowa. One year ago tomorrow, I found a lump in my breast. Hmmm…which anniversary should I celebrate? One whole year; it’s unbelievable! Eight chemo treatments, 25 radiation treatments, a variety of surgeries and scans, and a handful of Herceptin treatments. AND, here I am, family intact, me intact…Did I miss much? Yeah, about a third of Ana’s life when I couldn’t be much of a grandmother to her…a lesser percentage of J.J.’s life because he’s going to be six and we already had a history together. I didn’t miss any holidays or celebrations or probably very many good times, really. I transferred schools and work with two of my very best friends, Robert and Laura, and with a bunch of new friends and mentees (my word for those who are mentored). My new job is four miles from home, as opposed to my last, which was twenty. We’re planning for a wedding and a walk in the Race for the Cure. My radiation area is pretty much healed. My eyebrows are close to all the way back. I even have a few eyelashes. I had to shave my legs and armpits. My hair is growing back, not red and curly as I had hoped, but white and fly-away…but you can’t have everything, can you? Life is good! Happy Anniversary! Amen!
What a roller coaster this year has been for you! As I frequently say, I aspire to be you. You are my hero – not because you have survived this nasty beast, but because you rise to the occasion every time. So if you can raise 6 wonderful children, complete 4 degrees, impact hundreds if not thousands of students young and old, be an instructional leader of many, be a true friend all, why settle for the 1K? Hee, hee. It’s a a ways til May – I won’t stop until you give in!