Those Milestones

Tomorrow is a chemo day again and it seems like I am always looking for something to ease the mental challenge of that. This week I didn't have to look far.

Let me tell you a story...

Awhile back, I mentioned that we had a number of milestones ahead of us. Over the past weeks, we've celebrated the birthdays, toasted the halfway point in this round of chemo and now, the big one.

40 years ago, on April 25, 1970, Ken and I were married and embarked on our new life together. So much has happened over the years, including the growth of our family to incude 3 children and 3 grandchildren.  Last summer, that family put their heads together to come up with a plan for a celebratory family gathering in Las Vegas for our 40th wedding anniversary. We all had plans to meet there for a couple days of relaxation and celebration of life and love. But, a funny thing happened on the way to Las Vegas...

I was diagnosed with cancer and those plans had to be put on hold. Ken and I assumed we would instead be celebrating quietly on our own until we received a phone call last week-end informing us that we would still be celebrating with all of our kids...it would just be here in Sioux City, not in Las Vegas. What a surprise and how exciting to have our whole family together for the occasion.

I will still have to endure treatment on Friday but we'll then be able to spend time with Michelle, Matt and Sara and Kellli and Brett and, if their busy adolescent calendars allow, maybe a little time with the grandkids as well. No hoopla...just a quiet family dinner, but how perfect.

Life doesn't always lead us down the paths we may plan...we've learned that over the years...but it all comes down, once again, to living to the fullest whatever path we end up on. The last couple of years have brought unexpected serious health issues to both of us, but we're still here to celebrate 40 years of life and love with those who mean the most to us and that's what it's all about. What a fantastic week-end this will be!

ALSO...if you read the previous post from my sister (if you didn't, please scroll down and read it) you are aware that in two weeks she is coming back from Denver and joining with friends and family here to participate in the Susan Komen Race for the Cure on my behalf. AWESOME! What a support system I have.

I may have cancer, but I am truly blessed!

Later.