Milestones and Lung Cancer
When I was diagnosed with lung cancer 7 years ago, I never thought in a million years I would still be here to witness certain milestones. We don’t really realize that until we are diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, like lung cancer. I must say we do take things for granted, we do think we’ll be around to see and witness many milestones.
But now living with lung cancer I hope and pray that I will make be around to continue to witness more milestones and celebrate them!
Incredibly grateful for witnessing many milestones
With five kids I knew I would be a grandma and I was so looking forward to that, but when I was told at 46 years old “you have stage 3B lung cancer” I for sure thought I would never meet grandchildren. I also thought I wouldn’t be here to see milestones but thank goodness because of research I’ve witnessed many milestones. I’m so grateful and thankful for that and I will be here to witness many more!
7 years of wonderful memories with my family
The first milestone that I got to see after my diagnosis was my 25th wedding anniversary. My husband and I celebrated our 25th with friends in the Bahamas and we renewed our vows. I remember crying because I got to celebrate my 25th.
The next milestone was turning 50 years old. I celebrated my 50th birthday in Cabo San Lucas and it was an amazing time. I remember waking up on my birthday crying, but tears of joy and thanking our creator for this blessing.
The BEST one is the birth of my granddaughter, oh my, the joy that she has brought into my crazy life with lung cancer. Watching her grow up is the biggest blessing ever! Now the second most important milestone is the second grandbaby that should be here in late October or early November. In between the 7 years, I got to see my children graduate high school and college, buy their own cars, and get their own apartments or house. I got to see both my sons become firemen, my second oldest get married, travel, open up my own business, buy a brand-new car for myself, and the list just goes on and on.
Don’t wait because life is short
Living with lung cancer has made me sit down and look at the good things in my life. It helps me get through this crazy roller coaster that I most likely will never get off. But the good in my life outweighs the bad that comes with lung cancer. I look back and reflect and I give thanks to our maker for giving me a second chance and blessing me to see all these amazing milestones in my life!
Many will take it for granted, many will wait until it’s too late, and many will say I’ll do it tomorrow or next month, or next year. Don’t wait because life is too short. Tomorrow isn’t promised to us, so go catch those milestones you thought about or dreamed about and enjoy them. Leave precious memories with your loved ones.
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