4 years down

When the 4th of July comes along, I'm reminded of another anniversary that comes before it.  July 2, 2012.  That was the day I found out I had breast cancer.  It's been four years now and time marches on.  We have seen some highs and some lows in our lives. So much has happened in those four years. Some of the major events were:
     My mom's husband David died and she moved back to Utah.  Her dementia shifted into high gear.
     We got two new grandchildren:  Margaret and Tommy
     Andy married Chelsea in the Los Angeles LDS temple
     I retired from working at BYU after 25 years
     My sister Carol lost her husband Robert to a brain tumor
     Our country lost the chance for Mitt Romney to be our president
     Rick and I finished our goal of visiting all 50 states
     Jake was diagnosed with brain cancer, went through all kinds of treatments and died on April 23, 2016

I learned many lessons through that trial and those lessons have not been lost as the years of good health have continued.  I value life more.  I feel more gratitude. I'm grateful that advancements have been made in breast cancer treatments and that the drug Herceptin is on the market as a target therapy drug to treat aggressive cancers like mine.  I value relationships more.  I value time on earth more.  I value people more and recognize the contributions they have made and continue to make in my life. I understand the great good that comes from reaching out to people in need and serving, as I try and pay it forward.  I realize that my trials are small compared to some people and by helping them with their challenges, it lessens by own burdens. I trust God more and know that ultimately whatever happens will be for my good and that all trials bring the opportunity to learn and grow if we let them. I love my husband more and appreciate him and his love for me.  Our love, friendship and appreciation for one another is stronger.
Every year I go in to the cancer doctors for check ups and every year that I get a good report I am grateful that I get more time to enjoy life and all the opportunities it affords.  Life is good.