The Future: Where Do I Go From Here?

Since my diagnosis on November 27, 2012, I quit planning a future. Of course, I had goals and milestones I wanted to reach with Karley. But, as for myself, I never thought I would still be here after nearly 10 years. In my mind, I didn't need anyone around because I would be gone before she went to college. All of this has now left me a year to plan. Planning my life 3 months at a time is already hard enough. Now, a year?

And maybe not just a year. What if I keep living yet I need help? I'm not in a relationship. I have friends, but they have families and my mom is getting older. I don't want to ever be a burden on someone, but I'm not ready for a nursing home. So, I've come up with a few plans. None of which involve Karley having to take care of me unless of an emergency.

Planning for the future

I've never lived outside of Georiga. Maybe I have lived everywhere in it, but I've gone from the city to the beach. So far, I can't see myself growing old or feeling at "home" in either of these places, much less dying there. Therefore, I have a good friend in North Carolina who has offered for me to live with him and his roommate and split the rent. He lives in the mountains. I love the mountains, they are beautiful. We used to go to the Blue Ridge Mountains when I was younger. I always thought it was beautiful but thought, "no way could I live out here, there's nothing to do". There were hardly any homes.

By providing your email address, you are agreeing to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

It's amazing how time goes by and can change your perspective. I don't care about having "things to do" anymore. Now, once Karley goes to college, I want to relax, sleep in, and never have to worry about rushing around. And, the views. Probably my favorite part. I can see why some people refer to the mountains as "God's Country". So as long as my friend doesn't marry and start a family within a year, I think that will be Plan A.

Time can change our perspective

I feel like God gives me signs and I don't ignore them. So when I told my plan to one of my closest friends that moved to North Carolina a while back, she was so excited because that's where they are putting their new restaurant.

Not only would I have a friend to live with, but I would also have one of my oldest friends and her family close as well. Plan A is complete. But once again, that only accounts for a year. Within that year I'll save money to put down on a house. Hopefully with an en-law suite or apartment garage. And I'm hoping Karley will want to go in on it with me. She takes the house, I stay in my little en-law suite, out of her way, and if there's an emergency she will be there.

My story isn't finished yet

I hate to do this, but I can't think of anywhere I would rather be during my final days. Besides, who knows if things will even go this way. I just know my story isn't finished yet.

It's hard living this life with children. As a mother, I never want to hurt my girl, but no one lives forever. And I think it would bring her peace if she were there. She would have no regrets. But I'm getting so far ahead now. I need to better embrace the motto "one day at a time". I guess it would be more meaningful for me if I had a place to live or help I could definitely count on. But, in this world, can you really count on any living person 100%?

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The LungCancer.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

Join the conversation

Please read our rules before commenting.