With this post I do have something that is worth posting about.
When I started this adventure with Mantle Cell Lymphoma I was 47 years old. Today I turn 57 years old. Can it
really be that I am 10 years older than when we began? It’s just crazy me to
think this journey has been so long. If I think back to the day I was first
diagnosed… when I Googled “Mantle Cell Lymphoma” … when I read all the grim and
frightening things about my prognosis…and my life expectancy.
But
that was 10 years ago… a time when Mantle Cell Lymphoma was
considered a death sentence… when all you would find on the internet about Mantle
Cell Lymphoma were negative survival rates and/or remembrances of those who had
succumb to the disease.
But
that was 10 years ago… before I met Dr. Goy… before so many
wonderful medical advances occurred… before there was a realization that when
it came to Mantle Cell Lymphoma there is truly HOPE for anyone who has been diagnosed with the disease.
As I think about my journey I see myself as someone who is a
great example that there is HOPE…
after all I been treated 3 times for MCL, I have had a Stem Cell Transplant,
and yes, a few setbacks along the way… BUT the most important thing is that I’M STILL HERE.
As I said above… I am so blessed with the good health I am
experiencing and now I have such high hopes for my future. I plan to make the
most of every moment. And yes, my HOPE
comes from God and all the great gifts He has bestowed upon me.
Speaking of making most of each moment… I recently attended a
Men’s Spiritual Retreat. It challenged us to focus on things that matter most….
To be
the best we can be, each day… each moment.
To pray
daily, to be charitable, kind and compassionate to others
To be
available to serve others… and to be that peacemaker… not an instigator
Instead
of complaining, make things better
To help
others be better… and never tear them down with criticism.
…All of
this being God focused at all times… being living proof of God’s love.
This was clearly very impactful
To further enhance the message of the retreat one of the men
shared this, to help keep us focused on what matters.
George
Carlin's wife died early in 2008 and George
followed
her, dying in July 2008. It is ironic George Carlin -
comedian
of the 70's and 80's - could write something so
very
eloquent and so very appropriate. An observation by
George
Carlin:
The
paradox of our time in history is that we have taller
buildings
but shorter tempers, wider Freeways, but
narrower
viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we
buy
more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and
smaller
families, more conveniences, but less time. We
have
more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but
less
judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more
medicine,
but less wellness.
We
drink too much, smoke too much, spend too
recklessly,
laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry,
stay up
too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV
too
much, and pray too seldom.
We have
multiplied our possessions, but reduced our
values.
We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too
often.
We've
learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've
added
years to life not life to years. We've been all the
way to
the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the
street
to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space
but not
inner space. We've done larger things, but not
better
things.
We've
cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've
conquered
the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more,
but
learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've
learned
to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers
to hold
more information, to produce more copies than
ever,
but we communicate less and less.
These
are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big
men and
small character, steep profits and shallow
relationships.
These are the days of two incomes but more
divorce,
fancier houses, but broken homes. These are
days of
quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway
morality,
one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills
that do
everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time
when
there is much in the showroom window and nothing
in the
stockroom. A time when technology can bring this
letter
to you, and a time when you can choose either to
share
this insight, or to just hit delete.
Remember
to spend some time with your loved ones,
because
they are not going to be around forever.
Remember,
say a kind word to someone who looks up to
you in
awe, because that little person soon will grow up
and
leave your side.
Remember,
to give a warm hug to the one next to you,
because
that is the only treasure you can give with your
heart
and it doesn't cost a cent.
Remember,
to say, 'I love you' to your partner and your
loved
ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace
will
mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.
Remember
to hold hands and cherish the moment for
someday
that person will not be there again.
Give
time to love, give time to speak! And give time to
share
the precious thoughts in your mind.
And always remember, life is not measured by
the
number of breaths we take, but by those
moments
that take our breath away
I always looked at George Carlin as that man who could find
something funny with just about anything. I was WOWed by his serious side… his ability to put life into
perspective.
So, I had a lot to say with today’s post. In short…
My
health has been great
I’m 10
years older from when my adventures with MCL started
I will
always be hopeful with the help of God
I want
to make the very best of each moment…
Am I
shooting too high to want to be as awesome as I can be each moment???
Probably but I certainly worked hard to get to where I am.
I now feel I need to make the most of it.
Here are some great songs about HOPE and LOVE that are
sure to inspire you during this Lent and Easter season. Enjoy!
“The Proof Of Your Love” by For King And Country (Ft. Lauren
Daigle): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WR3h60V2tik
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in
prayer.
Romans 12:12
More to come…
http://mantlecell.blogspot.com/
http://mantlecell.blogspot.com/
