This is a follow-up to the last post that I wrote. If you would like to read "Peace of Mind" first, please click here.
MY HAPPY LIST:
1.
Aiden's genetics testing results are in and he did not
test positive for the gene mutation in question!!
Halleluiah!
If you were sitting next
to me right now and I spoke these words to you, I would likely have
to say them over and over. I am so insanely excited that
my declaration sounds like a jumbled mess spoken at a speed
indiscernible to the human ear. This is wonderful news, people.
WONDERFUL!
(Insert: music and
happy dance.) Whoot! Whoot! Whoot!
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| Happy. |
-And-
2. I got a job! And it's in
healthcare! For a company that I grew close to while Aiden received
treatment!
(Insert: music and
happy dance part deux.) Whoot! Whoot! Whoot!
This
whole job search thing has been the pits. I did submit some
contract work to a client last week, which felt good but I have
missed corporate healthcare marketing. Over the past several months
I have felt like a professional interviewer. It has helped boost my
confidence, though, and resulted in a few job offers. I had
difficult decisions to make, but I am certain that I made the right
one not only for me, but for my family.
-And-
3. Aiden got a lil'
stomach virus! It was not associated with chemo or low counts!
Nope! Just an icky, run-of-the-mill bug that toddlers like to share!
(Insert: music and
third happy dance.) Whoot! Whoot! Whoot!
(Insert: sound of
dancing music screeching to a halt and shocked gasps from readers.)
Okay,
let me explain the third item on my happy list. Back a long,
long time ago in a land known as Fairfax Hospital, stomach bugs
resulted in hospital stays. Looooooong hospital stays.
Sometimes we were quarantined in our room; highly communicable
infections are not taken lightly on a floor dedicated to children
with compromised immune systems. These infections usually resulted
in more infections, perpetually low blood counts and, as a
consequence, delayed treatment. Now that Aiden is in remission (it
will be two years come August), his body is able to receive, fight
off and share germies like any other runny-nosed chickie. Yep, I am
one happy mommy. Plus, let's be real, vomit does not scare this mama
in the least. I got this!
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| Watching The Lorax 3 times in a row makes everything better... |
* * *
I know
that I have spoken of perspective in many of my posts. I think it is
an important state of mind to celebrate, but it also serves as a
personal reminder. Life gets hard and that won't change. I used to
think that I should get a “free pass” on the next sh%#t storm
scheduled to dump torrential rains on my so-called happy life
post-cancer, but that's just not how it works. We all carry burdens
and fears, which make us feel alone and angry. The trick is to not
let them eat you alive. Living a happy life is a choice; one you
have to work at. Once you get in the routine of celebrating all the
good, it really starts to come easy.
Dare
I say, “easy as 1, 2, 3?!”
Come
on, “baby, you and me” let's do this happy dance together!
Tiny Moments (since my last post):
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| Picnic lunches. |
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| Even Batman likes sidewalk chalk... |
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| Baby love - Aiden is obsessed with babies... |
Leslie, I am so grateful for your last two posts. I have been having a hard time with the fact that I go back to work in 2 1/2 weeks. I've kind of been in a woe is me mindset. But you're right, no one gets a free pass (and if anyone deserves one it's you!). We make hard decisions for family, and we choose our happiness. Thank you for reminding me that I have so much to be grateful for, and that I can chose to focus on the happy. I'm so glad Aiden is doing so well, he's a beautiful boy!
ReplyDeleteHi Sarah! It is never easy going back to work. I feel the same way now as I did when I returned from maternity leave. I just have faith that things are moving forward as they should. I know that Aiden will be well cared for and enjoy being around other kiddos on a more regular basis. I still feel that twinge in my heart, though. It is supposed to be there. We are mamas and, by nature, we are torn. The good news is are kids thrive no matter our career decisions. It will be hard and you will miss your sweetie, but this too will help you appreciate the time you all share when you are not working. I constantly read things - blogs, quotes, books - that inspire happiness and passion, at least for me, and I find that it helps combat not-so-happy feelings. I hope that my blog will continue to do this for you. :) Thanks so much for reaching out!! Wishing you the best!!
DeleteWOW WOW AND WOW!! So very happy for you ALL Leslie! Brought tears to my eyes - tears of joy!! :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the message, Patty! Though I never want to make anyone cry, I will cry these tears of joy along with you. :)
DeleteGod is GREAT! Prayers of thanksgiving for this most JOYOUS news! Love and hugs my friend.
ReplyDeleteYes, He is and we feel blessed every, single day. Thanks so much for sharing in our joy!! Love and hugs right back at ya!
DeleteOh Leslie, this entire post makes me so happy! Praise God! I'm releived for you and so very happy for you and your sweet little family. Lots of love to you!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lindsay! We are very happy and do feel so very blessed. Lots of love to you and your family as well!
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