Friday, May 20, 2011

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.