Another Day... Another Gift.

I know that my mom hasn't felt very well this week and because of that she hasn't written much on the blog. She went home from work early today and has been battling some pretty bad headaches lately. I hate when I hear that she's not feeling well. It makes me want to run to her and wrap my arms around her... place her in a bubble.... and make everything better. I hate that there is nothing I can do. As depressing as it may sound, whenever I am feeling down I log on to the Lung Cancer Alliance website and read through the profiles under the "faces of lung cancer" section. Rarely is their something positive to see in that section. It is filled with people ranging in age from their mid-30's to late 80's... most of which are deseased. Every once in a while I will see someone who is still alive... and has been for a few years. That is always promising to see, but those profiles come few and far between. It's easy to keep things in perspective after reading about the cancer patients whose treatments haven't been nearly as successful as my mom's. Each day is a blessing.

I have had a few wonderful things happen this week and I also experienced yet another low blow. Good things first. Many friends and businesses have stepped up to donate items for this Saturday's pancake breakfast. The preparation for the fundraiser is going to start tomorrow night and I am already referring to the preparation as "Friday's party." We have been surrounded by people who are making the most of every day and I know they are looking forward to a fun weekend as well. Another highlight was my special time with mom on Tuesday evening. I stopped by my parents house on Tuesday night to pick up my "special gift" from mom. She had a personalized gift made for the 4 of us and all of them turned out amazing. When I got to the house she was cold so we cuddled under a blanket in her bed and played a little game mom made up called "would you rather this or that". Needless to say, my mom came up with the most "creative" scenerios. I was asked everything from "would you rather I had lung cancer.... or had my arms cut off and had my hands sewn to my shoulders?" to "would you rather I became a siamese twin attached at the head with someone I didn't know... or had my cheek removed so the side of my face was wide open." We laughed... her at her own jokes... and me at how wild her immagination could get. I am still convinced that she kept me cuddled up under the blanket because of the body heat I was putting off... but whatever the reason, it was the highlight of my week.

The low blow I experienced was an e-mail I received late Monday night from a co-worker in the military. Apparently my 1st Sgt was just diagnosed with a rare type of cancer. He is a strong man, good father, in his 40's, and doesn't deserve this type of news. Then again, who does? His prognosis is not good as the cancer is very aggressive and has spread throughout much of his body. I have had a heavy heart this week for Curt and his family. Again, I wish there was something I could do. I am not a doctor so I did the next best thing. I took the time to write him a letter. I shared my thoughts with him about cancer. I shared my experiences from the past few months... the phases I have gone thru... the frustration I have felt. I also tried to convince him that there is a way to put a positive twist on things and make this diagnosis a gift.... an opportunity to slow down and make your relationships with people meaningful. Finally, I threw in one of our new Cancer Sucks T-shirts because I know it will put a smile on his face. I think we can all use a smile every now and then.

Don't forget to tell the people around you that you appreciate them. Make the most of the time you have in this world and leave both people and things better than the way you found them.

Off to catch some Z's....
Amy