NOT a "bucketlist" item!

Okay, I am NOT calling this a bucketlist item, because in some dark recess of my mind that means that I am working towards and planning on kicking the bucket...and that is faaaar away from any current plans.  However, I am admittedly a list-maker, and it feels sooo great to check something off a list!  So, my solution is to gleefully announce that my masters degree is almost in hand!  I get the actual degree in August after my summer courses.  (Check!)

Yahoo!  Back to my papers and project...!

My husband, parents, and brother were able to celebrate with me in Cedar City as I walked and got "hooded".  I also appreciate all the other friends and family members who couldn't be there, but sent along their love and support via text, phone, notes, and flowers!  Ben and I both agreed that it would be much cooler if the hoods resembled the jedi master hoods...maybe Amy could get on that with the fashion industry!?  Any takers?

Thank you to all who have been patient with my lack of time and energy as I tackled this.  I am seriously amazed at how blessed and lucky we are to have such a great support system of family and friends.

As of May 13, I am 7 months chemo-free and still in remission.  My oncologist graduated me as well, stretching my doctor appointments out to every few months instead of every month.  :-)  My calandar has no cancer clinic appointments until....JULY!!!  Awesome!!!! 
I know not everyone gets such a happy story to their fight with cancer.  KC teases me that I've never really associated myself with cancer- "I have Leukemia- not Cancer."  Yea, yea; I know- Leukemia is a type of cancer.  On those days when it is hard to "Hoover it (aka Suck it up)" and be strong, it is an overwhelming blessing to be lifted up by those around you.  I have found a plethora of heros not only these last 3 years, but in my lifetime.  For all those quiet, loud, passionate, steadfast, diverse heroes out there who are enduring trials themselves or standing by their loved one: Celebrate the little things and never give up!  What an amazing thing it is to watch people serve friends, family, and even strangers by donating time, resources,  and sharing their love and compassion with people who need so much during such times.  From someone who has received so much, I thank you. I am a better person for knowing you, and am inspired to be even more.

Year 3- Done!!!

What a good day for an anniversary of life!

I just thought I'd write a few words today; life is so different than 3 years ago!  My body was coming to a standstill as I had little blood to nourish it.  Life was coming to a freezing halt as everything went on hold until better days.  I feel so blessed to be shown amazing beauty in that stillness!

   *Like grass coated with frost, I was insulated from harm in a protective environment of excellent care.

   *Just as our breath is miraculously visible on a cold morning, I witnessed the hourly evidence of prayers spoken.

   *At first impression there was monotony, but then I realized the copious shades of service, layering me with a contrast of health to my impending illness.
   *The silent moments allowed me the luxury of looking within, strengthening my roots, and stretching my listening abilities beyond my sight.
   *Relying on stores of nurishment, I gained gratitude for all the preparations both spiritually and physically of myself and others.
   *The hush of winter reminds you there is a spring coming soon, full of life and awakenings!

The winter for me is melting away.  I feel the warmth and energy slowly piercing the fog of my brain and slowed body.  Thank you for your patience with me, and thank you for your loving support.  I am truly humbled when I think of all the lesson plans others created on my behalf; the time spent in notes, phone calls, and visits; the amounts of faith and care that were extended to me and my family; the schedules and needs that were rearranged to ease my burdens; the moments of focused listening to my thoughts...I thank you.  These are feeble words, but heartfelt.  I hope I can someday be that robin for you on your wintry day, reminding you that the climate will change soon.