I'm a ONE YEAR Survivor!!!!

One year ago today I was diagnosed with breast cancer. August 6, 2008 went down as the most horrible day of my life. But in the days that followed God gave me a peace that has sustained me through the roughest days of this journey. I simply could not have made it without Him!

I would like to thank you, my precious family and friends, for the love, prayers and support you have given me, Todd and Zachary. It is because of you that this journey has been easier. No matter what you did, big or small….it was all very much appreciated! You were the flowers along the dark, narrow, winding path!

As I look back to a year ago, tears fill my eyes. It is painful to remember the events of the day. But I am so thankful to God for the two precious ladies who were with me – my sister-in-law-who-really-is-more-like-a-sister, Ruth…and Nancy. Ruth, you were the angel in my corner that day. Words can never do justice to the heartfelt gratitude I feel. Since you’ve been there….I think you know my heart. Thank you for “going through it again” for me! Thank you for listening when He said “Buy the PEACE stuff”. =o) (wow, what a confirmation that was!) Nancy, thank you for listening to God, too…you’ll never know what it meant to me to see you sitting there when I walked in. He knew we would need you later on….

I am so thankful for my brother, Mike, who came to be with us as soon as he got the news. Mike and Ruth have been our rock through this ordeal. I hope we can be the same to someone else should they have to walk this road. (and I hope no one does!) To Pastor Littlefield, Bro. Draper and Rachel: thank you for coming to minister and pray with us in the lobby. There were angels with us that day, no doubt, and some were in human form.

From that day to now, I have been overwhelmed with the love of you all through calls, emails, snail mail, visits, gifts, hugs…the list could go on. I could never ever thank you all for everything…there’s too much and too many of you. These days you can find evidence of a bad economy and lots of negative junk…but when I look at the comments on my blog, the huge stack of cards from the past year, the signatures on my hats, the emails in my “Keep” folder, the posts on my Facebook/Myspace/EA, the gifts of love….I AM RICH!!! Bill Gates has NOTHING compared to me!

While the journey is not completely over…there are a few minor things here and there, but nothing big…..I am choosing to start a new blog. I feel like I’ve come out of the tunnel and there’s a brand new world out there. I need to close some doors, and this is one I’m closing. I will keep the “My Cancer Journey” up for whoever would like to read it…if it can help or bless someone, I am honored. But be watching…I will let you know when I get around to setting the new one up!

Yesterday and today have been filled with lots of laughter, a few tears…and of course, CHOCOLATE! I had a PT appt yesterday and we celebrated with Hershey’s! Today I’m keeping Taylor and Emily...more smiles and fun...and I can’t wait to see E’s face when I bring out the Hershey’s Kisses I’ve got! So to all my Chocolate Sisters (and Brothers) out there – have a Chocolate Celebration with me! Here’s to ONE YEAR! TO GOD BE THE GLORY!