I saw a quote the other day ‘I think a hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles…so are the families and friends who have stood by them.’~ Christopher Reeve
Thanksgiving is coming up and I have so much to be thankful for. But today, I want to thank all the people who are and have been a part of my cancer journey. It’s really difficult to express my feelings of gratitude to those pre-, post, and during my cancer journey because thank you doesn’t seem enough. Maybe because thank you is used too much? More than thank you, I have a deep love for all those in my life. When I got cancer, not only was I surrounded by friends locally, but people from my past that I had lost touch with, sent cards, e-mails, and even care packages. I even had a good friend offer to fly here to just sit with me. It’s really overwhelming. I want to thank my doctors and entire medical team who went above and beyond what they needed to do; who called on their off hours to see how I was doing, who made calls to their connections to make sure I had the best treatment. Thank you to all those who brought meals to my family….little did you know it was some of the best food they have ever eaten and we were all depressed when the meals stopped (refer to #19 on my last blog). Thanks also to all of you who follow me on my blog, twitter, Facebook fan page…your continuing support, comments, and private messages inspire me. Thank you to my family, especially my parents, too much to say. Every single interaction you have with someone, even if just for a moment leaves them with something. If you choose to be kind and respectful in those moments, it comes back to you ten-fold.
It’s been a long road and the journey continues on with different obstacles so where does that leave me today? Grateful and looking forward to the future. I’m not the hero, I was forced to be strong. You are all my heroes. To the new people in my life, welcome, hope you hang around awhile. Cat Stevens sings that it’s a wild world and yes it is, but truly living in it is worth it.
Today I wear Chantecaille Brilliant lip gloss in Lucky. These glosses are moisturizing and a little plumping (which my lips obviously don’t need). The colors are soft and pretty. Lucky is just a soft pink which is easy to wear. I chose it mainly for the name. I don’t really believe in luck, but I feel so lucky and blessed to have all of you. Cheers!
Anna's Lipstick Journey 
And you, dear Anna. As I said before, right up until the end, I will always see you in the hall outside Rad/Onc Patient waiting with that beautiful, caring smile over the shoulder. Yes, outside of Judy and a few close old friends, I’m thankful for you. Can’t get lipstick up here in hospital, but if I get out, I promised you a pic and I always keep my word. But my choice of shade, My dear friend
I just love you Bob. You help me focus on what’s real and what’s important. Forever in my heart, Anna
Thank YOU, Anna! What a privilege to be a part of your journey, insights and life 🙂 I am nostalgic at the sound of Wild World … it was a favorite & true for me when it first came out in college and has become even more true in the (40) yrs since. I’d say “wild” is almost an understatement though. To still be standing and half-way sane after some of the “wildernesses” we’ve been through is certainly a testament to God’s grace as well as the strength we never knew we had. God bless you, dear friend, and God’s presence every step of the way…