5 years!

Today is my 5 year anniversary of my first brain surgery and finding out the tumor was malignant! I’m so proud of myself and family (especially my mom) for trucking through all the years of treatment and not giving up. I’m tired of hearing stories on the news of kids only having 6 months to live and their parents throwing them huge parties, I think that only makes them loose hope. The doctors told my mom at the start to prepare herself because I only had six weeks, but she never told me that- I’m so glad she didn’t. Who knows if I would still be here or not? Anyway, thank God for miracles, my family, great doctors, and HOPE!

I just keep going and going, and going...

Busy, busy, busy! I thought the summer time life was suppose to slow down, but the last few weeks and the next week’s schedule is incredibly busy! I wish I could press the “pause” button to life and take a five hour nap! Today is my birthday, and to accommodate everyone in my family I have to go out twice at their conveniences, but I’m not complaning ( extra chocolate cake for me!) Then I have to run and pick up a pita tray for the firemen. I get them a lunch every year for my birthday because they have been over to my house to revive me so many times. After that, I have dinner with a friend. Sounds great to an average person, but I’m still not strong enough to handle all of this. On an upper note, Monday the 14th is my 5 year first- surgery anniversary! Happy to be alive :)

Vito!

Never, ever did I think I could fall in love over the internet, but I did- with a puppy. When I was sick and in the hospital, my dad ended up taking care of my other dog, Max. When he went to hockey games or out with his friends my dad would leave Max with my (lonely) grandparents who grew very fond of Max. Everyone loves Max. I trained him so well and he’s so darn smart. I couldn’t very well take their “new dog” back! My mom was looking at rescue dogs and accidently clicked on another cite that lead her to Boston Terrier puppies. I’ve never bought a dog online before and it was a huge decision. But his little, itty bitty face melted my heart. My mom just got a job, so I’m the only one at home all of the time. Not being able to drive and basically being stuck at home, I’m glad I dished out the cash to run around after this little guy all day!


(sleeping under my desk chair, he won't leave my side)


(Vito and his "Mama Dog")

Sentimental Value

My mother has always told other people what a sentimental person I am- I never really realized the extent of truth the statement had until a few minutes ago when I went to put on a sweatshirt. Now, I have about 20 sweatshirts in every color practically never worn, but what did i choose to wear? A sweatshirt that is literally a couple of years older than me. It's my mom's old faded- orange, Polo sweatshirt my dad bought her before they even got married. Softer than anything I've ever felt, I love it even if the sleeves are fraying! Trends? I could care less.



My dad is big on giving gifts, especially for special birthdays. We went out to dinner that night at one of my favorite restaurants, I didn't have anything to drink because I was on chemotherapy. He asked me what I wanted for my birthday. I told him, "your dog tags." He was a Marine in the Vietnam war. He said that was fine, but he wanted to know if I wanted to if I wanted the 24 karat gold plated ones he made, or the originals. Me being the sentimental one took the originals. The way I see it is: those gold ones can always be made again...



When my grandma died the whole family shifted. She really was our rock. It seemed like the family dynamic changed instantly. Some people got necklaces with ashes, some didn't. Some people thought they were grandma's favorite. Then some people thought it was their responsibility to take over her role (which obviously couldn't never happen.) Regardless, grandma didn't have favorites and left everyone what she wanted them to have. Having her watch is my most prized possession.





I think the story with me is less is more. I don't need a lot of random crap in my life as long as I have a few special things that I can keep close to me.

Why I chose my title

"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain."

This is one of my favorite quotes and I truly believe this represents the heart of my personality. You have to make the best of what you are given, and not complain because there is always a worse situation out there. A smile will get you a lot farther than a frown, especially if you're in a rough situation such as my cancer.