December 5th seems to be a happy day for me.
Last year on this day we put up our Christmas tree. Sitting in the living room with all the lights off with just the glow of the Christmas tree is one of the most peaceful things to me. Decorating a tree is nothing major to celebrate for most, but when you're tired or hurting or recovering from chemo or a surgery, it's a monumental task. It's something I was unable to accomplish this past weekend because I had zero energy. Our tree has been sitting on the porch for a week. I love Christmas, and I love having everything decorated. I just wish I could snap my fingers and have it done.
Two years ago on this day my dad came home from the nursing home. He had been in the hospital and rehab since his stroke in August, and on 12/5/14 he was able to go back home. It saddens me to see how much my dad's life has changed. He went from working full time (often overtime), being active in church, playing in a bowling league and being an avid golfer, to being unable to walk without a walker. However, Christmas is the season of miracles. When I flew home in August 2014, the doctor told me over the phone that I should prepare myself for the worst. Instead, I still have my dad. He traded golf clubs and a fishing pole for Judge Judy reruns and physical therapy, but I'll take it.
Three years ago on this day I had my last of eight chemo treatments. That was just the beginning of what would be a long, long road of treatment and surgeries, but for me it was the biggest hurdle. I wish I could lose the thirty pounds cancer and its treatment gave me, I wish I wasn't so darn tired all the time, and I wish I didn't hurt. However, those are minor complaints compared to having to fight for your life.
I was smiling in this picture and I'm still smiling today. I'm working, I'm able to be a wife and mom (although not quite the superwife and supermom I was), I'm active in K's softball league and I'm a proud band parent. This is about as normal as my life has been since d-day.
This December 5th, the most remarkable thing to report is a clean bill of health from my dentist appointment this morning. Ha! But as I said, things slowly getting back to normal is not being taken for granted.
Just for fun, here's my new Christmas favorite:
No comments:
Post a Comment