Chemotherapy treatment at Delaware County Memorial Hospital, Drexel Hill PA
So, today is the day. I was diagnosed with leukemia on this day ….February 24th, 2006. While this anniversary isn’t exactly a cause to celebrate, it is a day of reflection, and a day to show appreciation of many people… and things. I’ll save the real celebration for May 24th (2006) which marks my anniversary date of reaching remission.
As crazy as it sounds I can honestly say that my life got better after 2/24/06. Of course I needed to get through the treatments, pet scans, ct scans, biopsies, blood draws, and appointments. But once I did, once I made my way through the cloud of all of that concern and discomfort, life got better. Which should come as a pretty surprising statement since my life has always been a fairy tale.
The people that have touched me over the last four years, and those that I have touched have enriched and fulfilled my life beyond belief. I have met people and experienced things that could only have happened as a result of my diagnosis. While I don’t encourage anyone to run out and get leukemia to become enlightened or enriched, I do encourage them to keep an open mind and an open heart if something like that were to happen.
I remind people constantly that we don’t always have choices in the things that happen to us, although we have total choice in how we react and respond to those things that happen. And it’s those choices that define us. It’s those choices that will allow us to be happy regardless of that stuff that happens.
I had choices, and I think I have made wise decisions. So, Happy Anniversary to me.
5 Comments
Hero status in my book. Can’t wait until I celebrate my one year, 2,3,4,5,6,7,8,10,20,40 year.
Thanks for sharing…
four years ago today…February 24, 2006…I lost my little hero… my whole reason for getting involved with team in training in the first place. his name was Michael, he was 11 and was one of my students. he also had down syndrome and was one of the happiest people I had ever met… he battled for 4 years but eventually could not fight anymore. I still wear his name and a locket with his picture everytime i run
just thought I would share with you…
My son was diagnosed on Feb. 12, 4 years ago. Wish he was doing as well as you! Keep up the good work!
You continue to be my hero everyday. So lucky to have become such good friends and to have you in my life.
I’m the lucky one and blessed to have gotten to know you. YOU ROCK!!!