I've always considered myself a pretty lucky person. I've never had anything horrible happen to me or anyone close to me. I haven't had to suffer through many trials. Though nothing tragic has happened (with one exception), this year has been a tough one for my family and others close to me. Somehow, though, almost everything has ended well. I am truly blessed and still feel extremely lucky. Here is a list of what has been going down lately:
-In February, we had a miscarriage scare. Obviously, everything turned out well and we only have about two more months until our baby girl joins us. I have been extremely fortunate in the baby department. No problems conceiving, carrying, or birthing. I am extremely grateful for this.
-Also in February, my sweet baby niece was admitted to PCMC at only a few weeks old and it was discovered that she had bacterial meningitis, a brain abscess, and a staph infection. It was a scary time, but she was a trooper. No surgery or anything serious; just antibiotics through a PICC-line for eight weeks. She has since been a happy, healthy baby.
-My mom's sister was diagnosed with breast cancer. Before she finished her treatments, they found cancer on her spine. She has been extremely positive through everything and apparently has a new outlook on life. She finished radiation yesterday and hopefully is now cancer-free!
-My dad's brother was diagnosed with throat cancer. He had to have an extremely long, complicated surgery which entailed removing parts of his tongue and the roof of his mouth and removing his whole lower jaw (which was replaced with bone from his leg, making him have difficulty walking) among other things. It has been a long road for him and he still can't really talk or eat well. I have learned a lot from him, though. He has always been a really funny, positive person and nothing has changed with this trial. He has learned a lot also. In fact, he was re-baptized into the LDS church after being away for decades. It was such a special experience to attend his baptism and confirmation. He has been such an amazing example to me.
-My best friend's mom was diagnosed with terminal breast cancer. This was her second time with breast cancer. It was a hard time for the family but everyone had a lot of faith. Her chemo treatments went well and miraculously she was just discovered (to the doctors' amazement) to be cancer-free! What great examples they've all been. This was truly a miracle.
-A good friend's sister was killed while riding her bike in a hit-and-run accident. I hadn't kept in touch very well with my friend, but I went to the funeral and it was great to reunite with her and meet her baby girl. Her sister was only 24 and it was a huge shock to all. I was so amazed by her family's faith and ability to forgive. They handled everything extremely well and were so composed and positive. I'm grateful for their examples and the chance I had to see my friend again.
-My grandpa died last month. This is the first grandparent I've lost. Everyone thought he was going to die around Memorial Day and we all went to say our last goodbyes, but he stuck around until July (Kate's birthday, actually). It was hard for me, even though he was almost 92 and had Alzheimer's. He was ready to go and I know he's in a happier place. He's had a lot of health problems over the years, but he's always been a happy, funny person. I've never seen him angry or upset. I know it's hard for my poor grandma (who is only 80), but she has been great through everything. The funeral was good and I was able to sing a song with my sisters and cousins that my grandma wrote. Although it was a hard time, my sisters came into town and it was nice to have my entire family together.
-My dad just went in for surgery to remove melanoma from his arm. It was a scary few days, but it was discovered that the cancer hadn't spread to his lymph nodes. They removed the cancer from his arm and he has a gaping wound that will take a while to heal, but we're so glad that everything is well! It makes me that much more conscious about being out in the sun.
It's crazy how all this stuff has happened so close together, but I feel really lucky that things have worked out the way they have. I have learned a lot and I think I'm much more prepared for future trials. I'm grateful for my faith and how it has helped everyone get through everything. I'm grateful for prayer and the Priesthood. Gosh, it's only August, so let's hope that the rest of the year turns out to be very uneventful!
5 comments:
Wow, Al, you guys have had some tough times this year. I hope the rest of the year is not as eventful, except for the excitement of another little one.
Indeed, wow! what a year! I'll bet December 31 can't get here soon enough.
Looking back over my short 38 years, there are definitely those years where there seems to be a lot that happens. Even if things turn out well, it's still a trial to get through.
Sounds like this is that year for you!
Let your faith be your guide and soon enough, you'll look back at 2011 as a rough year in the past.
I hope your family continues on the road to a healthy recovery from these trials.
Wow, what a year. Sometimes I wish I could go back to easier and simpler times or go back to when I was a kid when I had not a care in the world. I hope my kids take my advice when I tell them to not try to grow up too fast! I love your positive outlook on things and hope and pray that someday I too can have the same outlook. I didn't know about your dad't melanoma; I'm glad he's okay and that it didn't spread. Thanks for the shout out to my mom. I hope she's on the road to recovery and that I'll have her around for many more years. She's always there for me when I need her (and sometimes when I don't :-P) and I truly don't know what I would do without her. I'm really blessed and fortunate to be her daughter. How exciting that you're having another girl! I can't wait to see pictures!
Wow that is a lot! You poor thing. What a crazy year. Hope the rain stops soon and the sun comes out and sticks around for a while. You certainly need a break.
Oh my gosh Alison. That is horrible. My dad went through the same exact surgery that your uncle went through, removing the jaw and all. Oral cancer is so bad. And like your uncle my dad stayed positive and through his experience, he came back to the church. It's amazing how life perspectives change when you're faced with life threatening illnesses. I'm glad to see you all are staying positive. That always makes all the difference.
Post a Comment