When “random” people ask,”How are you today?”, I often answer, “Doing well all things considered.” This gives them an opportunity to ask more, and maybe I get to do a PSA about the risks of having lungs.
I am doing remarkably well, all things considered. It has been a busy, happy summer watching (mostly from afar) our grandchildren and their exciting “one in a lifetime” events and accomplishments, and seeing the sun rise each and every morning. Our garden is finally producing well, and the dogs, goats and we are enjoying time at the Salt Pond. I have a new volunteering opportunity at Critterville Wildlife Rehabilitation , and a weekly art play date to enjoy.
So why “all things considered”? Why write this post? Well, never miss an opportunity to educate others about lung cancer risks for anyone with lungs. ANYONE. And, a jarring reminder. A screen in my echeck-in at Dana Farber.
I know how blessed I am to be alive and even more so to be able to do the things I do. Life and quality of life are gifts we should never take for granted. Never. Gratitude and hope are so important. Today, I think of how very much I have experienced in the past 7 1/2 years. Today I also think about a tiny baby having his first of a few heart surgeries 17 years ago. Today our heart hero grandson, one of my greatest heroes, boarded a plane to travel to play in the American Legion World Series. Blessed and grateful. Thank you to all that has carried me to this time – the Lady Lorlatinib (3 pills taken daily), research and oncology experts, and the love, prayers, and thoughts of so many. Thank you, thank you for giving me so much hope, and so much to hope for. Nothing and no one is taken for granted. With each sunrise I am filled with gratitude and hope, ready to find joy in the everyday every day. May you find the same.
That “all things considered” is something I live well with. Even though I’ve plenty of daily reminders with numerous side effects, perhaps a little “jarring” reminder is a healthy thing. Here’s the photo.
polepole ~ breathe 