Green Light....GO!

So many good tidings of great joy today!  The last Chilean miner making it to the surface, a good friend's birthday, and lots of other happy things whose specifics have already slipped my memory... but, may I add to the celebrations?

I'M DONE WITH AAAAAAALLLLLLLLL MY CHEMO!!!!! 

No more daily pills. 

No more weekly IVs. 

ALL DONE! 

Happy, happy, joy, joy!  I'm done, I'm done, I'm done!

What a glorious day!  Thank you to all those near and far who celebrated with me today, and continue to celebrate each day after.  I loved the many happy dances we got to share, along with the other forms of jubilee!  My students even applauded each time I entered the room to celebrate the exciting day; their joy was sooo appreciated! 

The official diagnosis is still remission, but I now have monthly visits to the doctor for a blood draw to validate the Leukemia is not back, and then after two years....I am declared CURED!  What am I going to do with my Wednesdays now?  lol.

I've learned that during our challenges in life there are moments when the road gets smoother for a while, and other times when the road forks to a whole new and different adventure; both allowing us the chance to sit down and count our many blessings, thanking God and those who sustain us in our everyday travels.  So, today as I metaphorically take one exit for another onramp, I THANK YOU! 
I have felt copious amounts of support and goodwill in my life; these last few years especially.  I am still amazed at the caring and competent care I have received from "my" doctors and nurses and whatever other titles they all hold.  My schoolmates have eased the peripheral burdens of teaching while going through my treatments, and have always inspired me in their spontaneous acts of service.  My close friends and neighbors amaze me with their awareness of others, and have taught me how to truly sustain a soul over the long haul.  My family....how can you sum up the heroic moments from family?  They are everything.  And, not to get too sappy, but KC has been my rock.  He takes care of the world so I can hold some resemblance of "keeping it together", even when my fatigued brain and body collaborate with my stubborness.  Yea, he's cool.  I'm very happy for this path God has put me on; the scenery is beautiful!

So, as I have been sitting at this intersection for a little while now, the light has finally changed!  I'm excited to see what lies down the road, and I'm ready to put the pedal to the metal.  See ya at the next intersection.  Green light.....Go!

Year 2- Done!!!

I've now finished my 2nd year of treatment for leukemia... and I'm pretty proud!  We're hoping for just another 9 months, and then I'll really get in some recovery time.  I miss my brain.  I miss my energy.  I hope I find them again... then again, maybe their reality is a figment of my imagination.  Maybe I'll find their glory never really was there, and all my excuses are gone!  Hummm... I'll have to think about that!

The good thing about anniversaries and all other celebrations is that you stop and take time to share gratitude and joy for all you have, and the people who enrich your life sooo much.  For all the many people who have taken time out of their lives to bring/send/or pray for my comfort and joy; I send to you a heartfelt thanks.  I continually find myself admiring all the heroes around me who do so much, so humbly.  Thank you.  I'm trying to be like YOU as I grow up!  For the many people who have dedicated themselves to their profession with much integrity and joy:  Thank you for easing my mind and body into capable hands.  You make the journey hopeful and are a support system larger than one person.  For all the people who push for, fund, and participate in research which brings cures to people's lives....Thank you.  You give people their futures; an amazing gift!  And last, but most important, I give Thanks to God.  It is He who lightens the load, gives strength when I feel "tapped", gives us the priesthood to bless our lives, inspires us through scripture, songs and service, and gives me all the reasons to live the way I do.  He makes all the previous "thanks" possible!  And, it is truly His eternal future for which I aspire!

 Just for fun...pictures highlighting my hair the last two years.  Vain, I know...!  But it seems to be one of the most popular topics with people, so here it is...                             

            

P.S.  Christmas and New Years was wonderful with so many family members around!  I'll post that later.