Pink Thoughts Thursday - Week Two

brooch made for me by Carolyn Lodge

When I think of the word "survivor" I think of "survive" and then I immediately think of Gloria Gaynor ~ "at first I was afraid, I was petrified..."...which is why that tune is playing today...it's on my mind!  "I will survive".  Something I decided the day I was called about my mammogram.  I decided that no matter what this "calicification" turned out to be, I would survive.  I don't know many people who have been diagnosed with cancer who wouldn't say that.  Throw us a rope or a life preserver because by all that is Holy, we will survive!

Most often I call myself a thriver.  I'm here to enjoy life, to live it to the utmost, to not squander opportunities, moments, experiences, relationships -- the whole shebang.  Surviving is what we intend...thriving is what we do.  There is such a vibrancy and buoyancy to thriving that encompasses a vast range of emotions, moods and thoughts.  I love the sound of the "thrugh" sound...and I add a little trill to the "r" and I'm "ttthhhrrriiiving".  It is such a complete and utter thrill to the tongue. 

Being given a breast cancer diagnosis was like a great big dusty boot aimed right at my large backside and with one swift kick landing smack on the target I was rudely awakened from my slumbering existence.  I landed flat on my derriere and knew that I wasn't going to stay down for the count.  Like a coneflower I was going to bloom again..and again and again.  Perennials are like that.  Rugged.  Sturdy.  Often blooming in less than optimal conditions.

Cancer stinks.  It truly does.  Cancer is serious, yes sir, it most certainly is.  But oh my goodness, I have  learned to be a little irreverent towards cancer and I've experienced some of the best laughter of my life throughout my journey with breast cancer.  I'm rather cheeky about it at times and I've reached the point that I can look back and truly appreciate the funny bits.  And bless my soul, the laughter has been some of the best healing medicine I could have dosed myself with.  And others.  I count the times that I have been able to make others laugh around this some of the highlights.

Here's a tip.  Don't treat anyone you know who has cancer with kid gloves.  Don't pussyfoot around and treat them like a fragile object.  Everyone loves to laugh.  Those with cancer especially want to be reminded that they are thriving and that they are still part of the life that is going on around them.  Keep them in the circle, open your heart, open your laughter.  Best gift you can ever give. 

And speaking of gifts, my gratitude to Carolyn for creating this lovely keepsake for me.  I'm blessed indeed.