Yesterday in church, the priest gave a good homily that I really related to. He spoke about a difficult time in his life when he broke both his legs and endured many months of recovery. When he broke his legs, he had to have surgery. He explained that had this happened just decades before, they would not have been able to help him. He most likely would never have walked again. The interesting part of the story is that he saved his casts. His reason for this was to always remember the gift of walking again that God has given him.
When I first began to "stock up" on the essentials that I needed during my treatment-wig, bandanas, hats, etc...-I was sure that I would relish the day when I could throw them out in the trash. Now I find myself, almost four months (wow!) post treatment, and I have not thrown any of it away. As a matter of fact, I consider them to be very dear to me. During yesterday's homily, I finally understood why. Those items which at first symbolized my disease and my struggle now were symbols of what has been accomplished over this past year. I always think about the fact that if I had this disease only decades ago, I would surely have died. Through the grace of God, I have come through this alive and well, maybe even healthier than I have been in years! So, I will keep these items to always remind me of how lucky I am and how God brought me through this difficult time in my life.
On the lighter side-this past Wednesday I had my first haircut in 11 months!! It's very exciting. My hair was not that long, but it needed shaping. My stylist was very happy to see me. He said that the back and sides are back to my normal length and that in a few weeks, my top will be also. So now I actually have a hair style again!
