Lessons from having Cancer

I've always believed that every experience in life gives us an opportunity to learn and grow- even cancer? Yes.  At least, I'm learning a lot from it. 

My learning began when I was told that I would have, at the most, four more months to live. At that moment what is most important to me came into clear focus - my family. My heart yearned to be with my husband and to be a part of my grandchildren's lives as they grow up. Tears flowed, and my life has changed. I am spending more time on what matters most to me and less time on doing things that matter little. I am trying to share my talents more and quit wasting time doing "expected" things which stress me. I am making more of an effort to express gratitude to my husband for all he is doing each day to care for me, and I'm "putting myself out there" by making more effort to communicate better with him.  

My doctor presented me with another opportunity to grow. There was a decision I had to make. Was I willing to die in a few months, or did I have the courage and strength to go through many months of chemo treatments and surgery which might give me the possibility of healing? With my long history of health problems and allergic reactions, it was not very hopeful that I could complete this painful and demanding program. This is where my growth really began. I knew that the only way I would be able to complete the treatments would be with the Lord's help. I needed to have more faith in Him.

A Time to Heal- a Time to Be One

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/inspiration/video-be-one?lang=eng

Now is a time for healing- for uniting

A time to remember our shared heritage

and to cherish and protect our differences

Now is a time to put aside political squabbles

and remember the democratic ideals

upon which our nation is founded

Now is the time to still our cries of injustice

and stand behind our new President,

so that we can move forward with hope

Now is the time to pledge our best efforts

into making "The American Experiment"

a beacon of liberty in a dark world

Now is the time to prayerfully, and humbly,

remember, and live, so that we can truly be

one nation united under God 

Seeing my Glass as half Full

In the home I was raised in, this glass of water would have been considered half empty. Each event in life was looked at through critical lenses where its imperfections were magnified.  Consequently, life was very disappointing, and, without faith, frightening. 

From the time I was 19 and joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I have been trying to change my childhood training into a more positive outlook on life. It has taken a great deal of effort. I have had to consciously look for the good in each situation and in each person.

My resolve has been put to the test as I have had to deal with fifty years of major health problems and with serious family relationship difficulties. On days when the pain seemed unbearable, the frustration overwhelming, or the emotional suffering crushing, I can't say that I met life with cheerful optimism, but I have kept trying.