Happy Cancerversary—Again
It has been far too long since I have written but today I need
to do that—even if it is going to be short and yes, a bit repetitive.
Chris and I leave today for fifteen days in Israel and tomorrow
is Melanie’s eight-year cancerversary. Last year when I was posting more
regularly here, I wrote about the journey to learn to celebrate a day that
fills me with such a mix of feelings and memories. There is still sadness,
anger, frustration but now, even more, there is joy. And there are
prayers—prayers of thanksgiving and prayers for those who are just starting on
this cancer journey. (There is a post coming but today my new friend Elaine and
her daughter, Kathryn sit close to my heart.)
Just as a reminder, here is a bit of what I wrote last year.
“It has taken some years, but gradually I have come to celebrate
Melanie’s Cancerversary. Her A.C. (after cancer) life has been full and rich.
(Even as I know that is not so for many who live with cancer) Here is a little
of what A.C. can look like. Two years teaching; one year as AmeriCorps
volunteer, doing environmental work; becoming certified as a Wilderness First
Responder; leading countless Outward Bound trips and pilgrimages in Maine and
WA; sailing with a crew of eight on 32 foot open scow boats from the Florida
Keys to Rhode Island; becoming an aunt—twice; falling in love; earning a
Masters degree in Education; helping get a non-profit, True North Treks, up and
running; leading other young adult cancer survivors into the wilderness; having
two more tumors removed; hiking; camping; climbing; snowboarding, writing
letters that make her parents cry; starting a new life in Seattle; soon getting
married.”
It is hard for me to comprehend just how full another year of
A.C. can look but check this out. Last
May, Melanie and Ben did get married by the ocean surrounded by family and
friends who just could not stop smiling. Then as in past summers, the two of
them spent three months separated (hoping for sightings if each other on the
trail) as they lead Outward Bound and other groups. The fall followed with
changes for both of them as Ben began school to complete prerequisites for a
career in nursing (at the same time becoming an EMT), while Melanie began a new
career as the in internal guide coordinator for First Ascents International—a
job that utilizes her skills AND has health care benefits that cover her Sloan
Kettering visits.(Woohoo!!)
Just a few days ago, on her 32nd birthday, Melanie
wrote on FB, “Thanks
everyone!!! I did quite a lot of living this past year, and it's always nice to
stop and celebrate that :)” And live she did, in the wilderness telemarking,
hiking, climbing, travel to Israel, camping, boarding, celebrating weddings,
throwing potlucks….Well you get the idea. It was a good year—a very good
year—and my heart is full to hear her say that she is celebrating life. Is the cancer gone? I wish I could say it is,
but watching my daughter thrive, I count my blessings and so does she.
So once again Melanie, I say, “Here’s to you!!” This mother
could never be more proud!! Melanie, happy eighth Cancerversary to You!!
Always,
Mom
