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 32^nd 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