It’s hard to believe everything that’s transpired the past 12 months. A year ago today (Click to see how it began) I was given the worst news of my life, causing my world as I knew it to screech to a halt. This yearlong journey essentially began with three simple and brutally honest words, “You have leukemia.” Looking back, it’s the longest and by far the most difficult year of my life, and, yet, it’s been filled with countless blessings – an unusual and unexpected paradox. You wouldn’t think you could ever use the words ‘cancer’ and ‘blessing’ in the same sentence, yet I find myself doing that quite a bit.
And so, to commemorate this day, I made a visit to the transplant floor where I had spent so many days to begin this year. I would have liked to have gone back to Harris Methodist where I was admitted this time last year, but that was the other side of town from where we were. I have to admit, my heart skipped a beat walking through those doors, but quickly settled as I realized I could leave just as easily as I went in.It was really nice being able to visit with a few of the nurses that remain so close to my heart. Fortunately, they didn’t recognize me right away – adding 20 lbs and a head of hair will change anyone’s appearance.
We also made some really good friends today. Frank and Barbara Springer are at the hospital waiting for Barbara to recover from her Stem Cell Transplant. She’s 8 days removed from receiving the stem cells from her younger sister. She’s doing great and we pray that she recovers quickly and is able to go back home by the end of the week! You can see their progress at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/barbraspringer. Please send love and prayers their way.
Today also marked the second day of the bone marrow transplant symposium that Todd and I were able to attend in Dallas. It was great as we were able to make new friends and relate to others who have been and are going through their own trials with cancer and life post transplant. I’ll share more about that later this week. Thanks to our wonderful friends for taking care of our children and helping to make this weekend truly special for us!!
6 comments:
Courtney,
You have experienced a lot of "life" in the past year. I am happy you are feeling better. You look beautiful in the pictures.
gina
i can't believe it has been a year. but i am glad you are doing well and you look amazing. i have always thought you sported short hair beautifully. i will always pray for you.
it's so weird the dates we have in common. the 22nd was the day we were told alexa would not live. december 12th was our diagonosis day. cancer is a small, horrible and bitterly sweet world.
Courtney, congratulations! I am so happy for your "anniversary." What a year, huh? You make me so inspired and encouraged to get through my own cancer.
Not to be shallow, but that also includes your fabulous hair! :) It looks so dang cute.
I bet this was a day full of so many different emotions for you. You are such an inspiration to me. Here's to many more 'anniversaries'! :)
Courtney, I have thought about you so much recently. I'm so glad you are doing well. Russ and I still pray for you and Todd. Love you.
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