After Cancer: The weather is fine

It's been awhile since my last posting.

The weather here in sunny Portugal hasn't been very sunny for the last several days. Today, that has seemed to change. The sun is shining and the birds are singing, and I along.

Being a cancer survivor has taught me many things in life. It has driven me to the depths of hell and has risen me to the grace of light. In reflection, I welcome both.

It's never an easy road, tho. That is a given. Being 'property' of hospitals and doctors, tears and fear, good words and bad, has certainly given me a different perspective. Every day is a blessing, whether it is filled with pain, or filled with joy. We just need to understand it, and accept it as evolution of oneself. I would never be the person I am today unless I had experienced all the sorrow that I have experienced throughout my very difficult lifetime. I don't think that I would have said these words two years ago.. I don't think I would have said these words eight months ago. But today, the sun is shining bright. It brings warmth, and love, and joy and yes, it also brings hope for tomorrow.

I can only hope that those of you who are in that cold, unforgiving pit, that you find the courage within yourself to stay strong and continue to hope for a better tomorrow. No matter how long you have been in the depths of hell, there is hope for you. Believe me when I say that I was probably the most cynical person alive when it came to feeling hopeful for myself, for my life, for anything good to come my way, but that has happened finally, and it feels terrific!

Stay strong!

Peace to those who don't have it, love to those to crave it, joy to those who are crying.