PRESIDENT GORDON B. HINCKLEY

"To you women of today who are old or young, may I suggest to you that you write, that you keep journals, that you express your thoughts on paper. Writing is a great discipline. It is a tremendous education effort. It will assist you in various ways, and you will bless the lives of many-now and in the years to come, as you put on paper some of your experiences and some of your musings"

Thursday, October 21, 2010

A Flash from the Past



I was really torn about whether or not to enter this post, but I'm going to do it! Let me quote John Mayer, "Say what you need to say."

Its been 3 years since I had "The Big C". 3 years ago at this time I was finishing up my last chemo treatment. 3 years ago I was bald! Seriously? Did that happen to me? Wow! I can't believe how fast time flies. It seems so long ago but also seems so recent. So much has happened in 3 years. I wonder, "Can I look back on my life and love it?" Or hate it? I look back at these past few years and I love it! I love the life I have, and the life I've been given. I am so grateful. Its not a perfect life, which is perfect for a person who is SOoooo NOT perfect! I have so much to be grateful for! Its hard to say that chemotherapy is a good thing but it is. It healed me. I'm grateful for my surgeons. I'm grateful for my doctors and nurses. I'm grateful that I don't have to see them as often. What a relief. I'm grateful that my daughter won't have to go through this because medical advances will find a cure. There is a cure for everything. Sometimes its not the ideal cure, but its good enough. Sometimes a walk or a cookie is a cure for a bad day because your kids woke up during the night and you're really tired. There is goodness and joy in everything that is bad. We can have positive experiences during the hardest times of our lives. Its okay to cry! I'm a crier and that is just how I am. It's okay to cry even though it lets down your guard.

There are moments when I don't feel so good about my life. When I feel this way, I have to get down on my knees and pray. Every time I pray the Holy Ghost tells me the same thing every time..."Kyle. You have Kyle"

I don't know who got the worst end of the stick, me or Kyle. I don't know if the cancer was harder on Kyle or me? Actually, I know the answer to that question- it was definitely harder on Kyle. I know the Lord carried me through the hard times. He blessed me with the perfect guy to help carry me. He gave me Kyle. He gave me a man who would love me through thick and thin. A man who would love me unconditionally. A man who would love me for all my imperfections. Kyle is my rock! He is my best friend. Everything I love about my life is because of Kyle.

ThEn AnD noW

8 comments:

  1. Such a great post... I am glad you said what you needed to say! Thank you for your words... You are such a great example & have such an amazing testimony. I am grateful for your friendship in my life. It was so fun to run into you the other day at Harmon's. We need to get together more often!

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  2. Thanks Christie! I am grateful for your friendship too. I agree, we need to get together soon! Lets find a date for Scotty and all go out!!

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  3. You are an incredible, strong woman who I look up to so much! I started crying when I read your post. I can't believe it's been 3 years! Look how far you've come :)

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  4. Wow...3 years, huh? We are so glad that you are here today, and that you are loving the life that you have! I love your comments about finding the good in life, even when things are bad. You are amazing! PS, LOVE LOVE LOVE the family pictures! Beautiful smiles, colors, outfits,...everything!

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  5. Hey Cousin! You are an inspiration to everyone, including me! Thanks for writing this. The trials we all go through are to make us better and stronger. Our husbands and family are there to help us through the tough parts of life. We love you so much! Take care kiddo. Love ya, Jen

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  6. WOW! I CAN'T BELIEVE SO MUCH TIME HAS PASSED. YOU HANDLED IT WITH GRACE AND STILL DO! I HAVE TO SAY YOU WERE PRETTY CUTE WITH THAT BALD HEAD AND BELLY. LOVE YA!

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  7. Alena I just love you to death! I am amazed by you… Really I hope that you can rub off on me, cause you are just such an amazing and wonderful person!! Thanks for being you and for being such a good example to all of us! I'm so grateful for you and your friendship!

    Love ya,
    Linds

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  8. Alena, I just read your post and I'm bawling! You are such an amazing person and an inspiration to me. I remember being pregnant right before you were, and I was in awe at how strong you seemed. You really were the cutest pregnant bald girl in my mind. Thank you so much for your example and friendship. I think the world of you!!!

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