What have I learned?

Boy, a lot and nothing, more than I care to know and less than I want to remember. The biggest lesson of all is you don’t have to do this alone.

There are so many of us out there that can tell you similar stories and insights that sound markedly familiar. We have experienced the highs and the lows and the roller coaster ride of cancer.

We have met the beast!

We have learned to take one day at a time and sometimes one hour at a time.

We eat what we want, when we want and if we can, we sleep for replenishment and sometimes just for solitude and quiet. We laugh harder and bigger and hug more and hopefully cry less but my tears are more sincere than ever before.

We feel more than we have before and nothing is taken for granted. The sky is prettier, the grass is greener, the kindness extended means more, and little things count.

Trappings no longer carry the great significance it may have for some. I don’t need the best and brightest or newest, I do need your love and caring.

I extend the same to you.

Pettiness has no time and grouches and whiners are out.

Wake up, wake up, the world is out there and you are to enjoy and explore all it has to offer. I have said previously, my bucket list gets filled back up each time I empty it.

There is more for me to do, even if it is only for one more day. I am more patient with those that I could not deal with before but less tolerant of attitudes and excuses.

Step into the world and feel how wondrous it is if only you take the first step and even if it means each day you take the first step.

I want to make a bumper sticker that says HUG MORE: BITCH LESS, or better said, HUG MORE : COMPLAIN LESS.

Keep in touch with all those that have touched you, in anyway you can.

Maybe today is not the day you want to talk on the phone but you could email. Send a card and say a prayer.

We are all connected.

There are few if any that have not been touched by the beast.

Make someone’s day better, even if it is only for today. The rewards will come back to you in ways you can’t even describe.

Remember, we are all in this learning curve and HUG MORE : COMPLAIN LESS. And say yes, to living each day- yes I will meet you for lunch, yes I will help with the picnic, yes I can drive to the game.

YES, I will be there for you!