And so this is Christmas . . . . .
Remember that song?
And so this is Christmas, and what have you done?
another year older, a new one just begun. . . . .
For so many years our lives slid by in the busy-ness of being a wife, a mum, a daughter, a friend. All those ordinary little things that we took for granted and just didn't give much attention to. Things like our health and the expectation that of course we'd be around next Christmas. Then we got stopped in our tracks by those unexpected words "you've got breast cancer". I don't know how you reacted, maybe fear, perhaps anger, grief, disbelief, your thoughts spinning out of control. Somehow treatment seems to take over our lives, we focus on surgery, chemo, rads or reconstruction. For some of us its the dread that bc has spread and what does that mean for our life expectancy?
Its so easy to take our eyes off those things in life that really matter. Like the family and friends who stand by us in challenging times, the safe haven of our homes, the faithfulness of my dog who's always pleased to see me - even when chemo means he cant lick me , the joy of returning to work, how grateful I am to be making a recovery to a new me after all that the last year has held.
No matter where you are in this process of bc there is still so much in life that is GOOD. Don't be fooled into thinking you are just the sum of your experiences. You are alive and there is so much to enjoy, so much to hope for. So go ahead and hope for the end of treatment, hope for better days ahead. But don't forget to enjoy the rich goodness that surrounds you today, keep on living every day with hope in your heart.
Wishing you all the peace, joy and hope of Christmas,
with love, Tracey xXx
Comments
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Beautiful0
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Merry Christmas so true there are so many positives in the negatives x0
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So beautifully put Tracey - it is all about perspective.
Merry Christmas to you and your family xxx
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Beautifully said, Tracey. I wish you and your family a joy filled Christmas xx Michelle0
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Thanks everyone. Who would have thought last Christmas that this year would be so good. Heartfelt wishes to all those going through treatment, our hopes and our prayers are with you xx0
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Thank you Tracey x
I'm sure your words resound for many of us. Cancer doesn't define us but it most certainly changes us. We are given the gift of a fresh appreciation for life, an awareness of the frailty of our bodies and also the strength we have within. But more importantly, we see how blessed we are in having such wonderful family and friends in our lives and the amazing support of all the ladies in this forum. Wishing you and your family a joyous Christmas. Jane xx
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Wise words, Tracey. Wishing you and your loved ones a very special Christmas! Deanne xxx0
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So Beautifully said Tracey, I can identify with everything you say. I will try to enjoy Christmas as best as I can with my beautiful family, and look forward with hope for many better Christmases to come. Merry Christmas to all you lovely ladies who have supported me over the last few months, and I wish you hope, peace and happiness in the future.
love to all
kate xo0 -
A truly beautiful message ! Every day I wake up and find I'm still here I go out side in my garden and thank God for being so blessed1
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Tracey, perfectly said. Hope and appreciation - two very important areas in our lives that get enhanced through our breast cancer experience. Wishing you and all of the lovely ladies and men on this network a wonderful awe inspiring Christmas and New Year and heartfelt thanks for the incredible support and wisdom that is offered so very freely. Xoxo Cath0
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Tracey! Just beautiful!!! Its a unique experience. I admit, since BC this last round, I have looked at things a little differently. Ive stopped wearing so many hats, the daughter, the sister, the mother etc, and am thinking more of myself..what do I want for myself in life. I dont think Ive ever done that...self nuture is so key and putting you first, just sad it takes something like this to make that happen. The beauty of me doing this, I'm making me happy and that ripples out making everyone else happy
Hugs Melinda xo Merry Christmas 1 -
Thank you Tracey. Merry Christmas0
