Monday, December 19, 2011

End of the year thoughts....

I wish I could mail each and every one of you this message but there are so many I want to thank that I worry I'd forget someone.  There's lots to say about what I'm thinking about this time of year but after the new year I will reflect some more.  For now, here's my Christmas message:


Dear Friends and Family,
                  It’s hard to believe that 2011 is already over.  My year was full of incredible experiences, which may sound strange in light of the cancer diagnosis but incredible it was.
Almost a year to the day I discovered my cancer.  Initially I felt an intense fear and a great deal of anger that I had to learn to deal with.  Luckily for me I had a wonderful family and wonderful friends that stepped up and did more for me over these past twelve months than I will ever be able to repay.
While I never want to get cancer again or wish it on anyone else, the experience has changed my life forever in so many wonderful ways.  I learned that my faith in God is strong and even though I am not sure why all this has occurred, I believe that there is a plan for me and I pray daily that I can help others like I have been helped.  I know that I am meant to make a difference in some way and I am working to understand what that means and what my role is in this world.
I learned so many things in the last year.  I learned from others what it means to listen, not judge, not necessarily give your opinion, but just listen.  That means so much.  I learned from others what it means to send a card, an e-mail, even a quick text.  That means so much.  I learned from others what it means to make a little treat or pick up a surprise gift for someone.  That means so much.  I learned from others what it means to do a simple task for someone.  Things like going for a walk together, vacuuming the floor, making dinner, all mean so much.  I now know the importance and value of keeping in touch.  That means so much.  I know that it doesn’t necessarily take money but usually just a little of your time to make a difference in someone’s life.  Sometimes just a smile or a joke can change someone’s day.  I learned that you don’t necessarily know what someone else is going through but all of these things and so many more make a difference in their life.  I learned so much from all of you.
In this busy time of year we sometimes lose sight of the real meaning of Christmas but having cancer makes you appreciate the gift of life and realize that you must do whatever it takes to make a difference in the lives of others.  From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU for whatever you did this year to help me.  You inspire me to do something good with my life.  I will be forever grateful and forever honored to call you my family and friends. 
Merry Christmas!!!
Nancy


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