Life is What Happens . . .

Ok...put up the lights, decorate the tree, go shopping, wrap the presents...Those were the plans I had last year around this time. . .
I had no idea what lay ahead for me!

Amid the holiday hustle and bustle I knew I had to squeeze in my mammogram. (smile)  It was December 4th of last year when I went in for what I thought would be a routine screening. Little did I realize how much my life would change that day!

And now its December again!  A year later!  I'm so glad I'm at this end of the year and not the beginning!

I think it would be safe to say that 2013 was my worst year ever!  The only other year that might come close was the year my mom got sick and died.  That was 1979.  That wasn't a good year either!

In both years my life changed dramatically. This year I was diagnosed with breast cancer and lost my breast. In 1979, my mom was diagnosed with metastasized breast cancer that had spread to her liver. . . and she lost her life!   I miss my mom, she's been gone for almost 35 years! . . . I can always get breast reconstruction!

Back in 79, I was mad at God for allowing mom to get cancer and for taking her from me.  Why would he allow such an awful thing to happen to such a Godly woman?

I see things differently these days.  I'm not mad at God for allowing cancer in my life.  Lots of people get cancer or other things equally bad -- good people and not so good people.  The Bible says it rains on the just and the unjust.  I just happened to be caught in the rain!

I didn't choose cancer.  I don't think anyone would.  Just like this plaque I found earlier this year says, I was making other plans...

It's very close to what the Bible says:

We can make our plans,

but the LORD determines our steps.

Proverbs 16:9

I'm still gonna make plans, but if God's plans are different than mine, I'll go with His.  Ok, . . so there's the lights, the tree, the shopping . . . .

*******

Hair/Health Update

My hair is growing, but still short.  I have never had short hair so I don't feel real comfortable going without a scarf and hat.  I know. . . I will.  I'm just not there yet. (Well, not in real life, only here in this picture!)

It's been 3 months since I started my hormone therapy medicine.  It makes me feel a little achy in my joints and muscles sometimes, but its manageable. When the weather is colder, it seems to be worse: otherwise, I'm good!

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