Today, I am grateful for today.

With each sunrise, I am more grateful for today. Whether it is the morning sun on the garden, the
The Mason's
fresh air blowing in through the open windows or the sunshine beaming through the front door, I take notice of a new day. Whether it is my teacup waiting for me, sitting alongside the hot water kettle, or hearing Maggie’s paws dancing down the hallway on the hardwood floors, I stop to appreciate and be grateful for today.

Today, I am grateful for the social distanced gatherings with friends at the lake, the smell of fresh baked bread in the oven, the family and friends gathered outside the window of the Leever Cancer Center - even the NBC Connecticut cameraman - and the colorful driveway when I returned from round #6 of chemo. I am grateful for walks in the neighborhood, the herbs in the garden and all five Mason's under one roof.  

Last of the chemo's...the view from my window!

Our driveway after Round #6!
Before January 16, 2020, I let too much go unnoticed. I was often busy checking the boxes on my to do list. Since that cold Thursday in January, when I heard the doctor say, "Cancer", I have slowed down. Not by choice, but by diagnosis. Then came COVID and I was forced to slow down even more.



My new garden the boys built!



Now I stop to smell the fresh cut lawn, the flowers on the table when I enter the room and the crackling fire from the fire pit outdoors. I stop to look at the budding blooms on the plants and the tomatoes growing in my new garden. I see the simple pleasures and feel the joy they bring.



We have so much to be grateful for but just maybe we do not always take the time to see clearly what is all around us. Slow down, and even stop. Hug those you are living with and tell them you love them. Look them in the eye. Look them in the eye again and tell them you love them. Be patient and more accepting of others who may be different from you. Each person brings unique and special value. Try something different. Reconnect with someone from your past that you think about. Slow down and appreciate all the beauty that surrounds you each day. Stop to take notice and let your heart smile with joy.

Update…
Round #6 began with chemo on June 8. Fingers crossed this will be the last of the chemo’s. Next stop is to meet with the surgeon and schedule surgery (possibly mid-July), followed by radiation. The thyroid surgery will follow. So, the way I figure it, I am at least halfway there…HOORAY! The boys say my hair has started to grow...but I think they are trying to keep me smiling. I'm optimistic that by the cooler days this fall, we will have completed the toughest part of this journey.


Thank you for surrounding me with a warm blanket of love and support. This has been a challenging journey…one that so many cancer warriors have bravely traveled before me. Never did I imagine myself on this journey. But I will take from it what I can and come out stronger on the other side. That is a promise to myself! 
Today I am grateful for today.




Comments

  1. JojoJune 18, 2020 at 8:09 PM

    You are loved! You are an inspiration and you are strong!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. NoraJune 20, 2020 at 2:07 PM

      I get my strength from those round me Jojo...much love!

      Delete
  2. UnknownJune 19, 2020 at 6:45 AM

    You are an inspiration to us all Nora. i can imagine how difficult this all surely is, but i also can imagine your strength, your smile, and your love making everyone around you more joyful even in the face of this pain. My prayers are following you everyday.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownJune 19, 2020 at 6:45 AM

      btw, i should've signed my note above! here it is: Love, Tim!!

      Delete

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