Ah, where to even begin.....
Over the past few days I have found myself in a very odd place (thanks, in part, to the Chantix, I'm sure, lol.) I have decided I no longer want my voice to be silent. I watched my eldest partake in a "graduation" ceremony last night from 5th grade, it choked me up. As the "reception" for these students turned into more of a "crossing over ceremony" BKB looked at me and stated, "I'm not emotionally prepared for this type of evening." Turns out, I wasn't either. This "reception" was for the kids and I must say, I am so happy and proud of the young lady my daughter is becoming however, I found my thoughts taking on a much more selfish note.... I am most thankful that I was actually able to attend.
Over a year ago I was diagnosed with Stage 1 estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer. I have undergone everything that diagnosis brings forth. First let me start by saying this thread is NOT intended to be about me, what I have shared so far is merely to set the stage for the intended purpose of the thread. The purpose is simple yet runs VERY deep, it is to thank those that have helped me along the way, to get me to where I am today... in an ok place. From day one, I did NOT share this info with my family. For those of you that have been around here for long enough, you know this damn disease already invaded our family once before, claiming the life of an integral part, BKB's mom. If I didn't share the news, I was forcing the disease to stay away. I wasn't going to allow this disease to control our lives again. I was going to ride the rollercoaster alone, keeping BKB and our children safe on the platform. Turns out, I wasn't completely strong and brave enough to endure this ride alone.
I realize many women (and men) have walked a much more difficult path before me, with a varying degree of outcomes. Unfortunately many more people will, during their lifetime, find themselves, a loved one, or a friend walking this path... Good luck to each and every one of them.
Now, for the fun part of this post. As I said earlier, the intended purpose of this thread is to outwardly thank those who did know and in some small way be able to express just what their friendship has meant to me.
My one rock, who I NEVER would have made it to where I am today without and am so grateful for, is PrincessPeach! She is one hell of a woman! Simply amazing. She walked beside me this year in The Race for the Cure. Arriving at our house, crack of dawn, decked out in all pink. At the start of the race, my emotions were running high, tears started streaming and I felt her comforting arm around my shoulder. Her support never faltered, her words were always encouraging and her opinions were never judgemental. Thank you Stacy, for being the most supportive friend a girl could ever ask for. I hope as time passes I will be able to be at least half the friend to you as you have been to me.....
BKB... thank you for understanding why I didn't share this with you (or the kids) while I was in the thick of it all.
DGAD... thanks for all your support and walking as well!
Shoegirl.... the same goes for you as well, thank you!
AKAK... thank you for your support and encouraging words.
SIMV... thanks for your support, listening ear, scarf and bookmark!
FKA... the man of stats and facts... thanks for the "grounding" phone calls.
Darkhorse... while we don't get to see much of each other thank you for your encouraging words.
3Yards... "Whatever it takes, whatever it fucking takes, Kat."
Some of you are probably rolling your eyes at the warm fuzziness of this thread, ready to vomit however I'm a girl, I am entitled to be emotional and emotionally open. We could just blame it completely on the Chantix though.
As I wrap this up, I charge each and every one of you to do something to make a change (for the better) in someone elses life. Take time to thank a person that has made a change in your life. It is the right thing to do and it is the Buckeye thing to do!
Thanks, from the bottom of my heart!
