Several weeks ago I attended a reunion of former co-workers. Some of these peeps I hadn't seen in 25 + years. Although I was tired, was the first one to leave, and couldn't party like I used to, I had a wonderful time!!! There's something very comforting about friends that have known you for so long! It was such a special evening and I was very grateful to be a part of it...because as I'm learning, it's not quantity it's quality!
I turned another year older last week...I love birthdays. I didn't used to, but I sure do now! It was a spectacular day, filled with lots of phone calls, cards, messages, love, lunch with my sister Barb, beautiful flowers from my wonderful son Mike and his amazing girlfriend Jenny, dinner with Don and so much more. Thank you to everyone that made the day so extra special...I feel so fortunate!!!
On Saturday I did something just for me...I attended a 'Breast Cancer Survivors Retreat' at Coborns Cancer Center. Going into it I had no idea what to expect, and honestly I was a tad nervous. But I forged ahead and preregistered (therefore I was committed!) and went...all by myself. I kept telling myself that I could do it, after all I'd been in sales for over 20 years right? Plus it started at 8am, so I'd be groggy, how nervous could I be while groggy? And there was a complimentary lunch so I could stay for lunch and then leave if it was boring!
There were 44 women registered, as I filled out a nametag some were coming in with friends, but others were solo. So far so good! I chose a seat in the second row by a woman sitting alone, aproximately 60-65 years old. We exchanged pleasantries and the day began. Another woman sat on my other side who appeared to be my age...so I now had PEEPS around me! Good start.
The morning moved rapidly. Excellent speakers. Motivational! Some were staff at the Plaza, some not, but all had excellent information. Before we knew it, it was time for a delicious buffet lunch. For me this was the bonus because we got to chat. I have really been needing to connect with other cancer patients and here was my opportunity. As luck would have it as I was chatting with several women, a lovely lady overheard my story and stopped by. Her friend has been living with Stage 4 metastatic B.C. for almost 3 years and leads a support group. We were introduced and I am looking forward to joing her group very soon. I loved all of the info I received, but this was far and above the best thing that happened to me all day!!! This is what I have been waiting for...
As the afternoon wrapped up I also started chatting with the woman next to me who was close to my age. She had finished her treatment a year ago, but has a fast growing cancer (HER-2). She is just waiting for it to attack again :(. When the day finished we sat and shared some thoughts together. She was a lovely person! She lives in the Metro area, so the chances of our paths crossing again are slim, although I have hope that they will. I will always keep her in my thoughts...we shared some important feelings that afternoon. The kind that only 2 people on similar paths can really understand. Thank you "S" for sparing some time to chat...I hope that I was helpful too!
Yesterday Don and I were able to spend several hours in Mpls with Michael and Jenny. What a delight! They are always such a breath of fresh air...so happy, so positive! We are so blessed to have them so close to us, we love it when we get to see them. We had a terrific lunch and then went back to see their beautiful apartment. We truely enjoyed the visit, it was so upbeat and relaxing.
Everyday is a new adventure during this journey. It is definately made easier by the people I love, my family and friends! I'm not ever sure what each day will bring, how I will feel, etc, but what I do know is that each day is a blessing and I am grateful!
God Bless! Kathy XO
