I'm baaaaaack!

I started my blog in February 2013 with ever intention of writing regularly. And I did. For a few months. Then procrastination and avoidance set in, and the longer the lapses between posting . . . well you get the picture. 2014 saw only 4 posts, and 2015 just 3. Then a little thing called life happened.

Less than 1 month after my last post, I was hit with a curve ball of sorts. And the resulting fallout lasted  through August of the same year. I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. In the 5 months that followed, I underwent a major surgery, other surgical procedures, numerous appointments with a variety of doctors, and 6 chemotherapy treatments. As a result of the latter, I lost all my hair, and often felt like a wrung-out dishrag. I missed more than 2 months of work, but thankfully because of our school district's sick bank, I did not miss a single paycheck. What a blessing that was for us! I returned to school on August 17, 2015, the first day of teacher planning week, in the afternoon following my final chemo treatment that morning. I was bald and still somewhat weak, but I was alive, and knew I would be for a very long time to come. With long life He satisfies me and shows me His salvation (Psalm 91:16).

In the past three years, I have continued with physician follow-up appointments, occasional CT scans, and oodles of blood tests. I regained my strength and my hair. I'm thankful for every day I wake up. I am awed by the goodness of God, and His love for me. I learned that my husband is my champion. He was an attentive, compassionate caregiver when I needed him to be. He overwhelmed me with his love through it all. We are closer now than we have ever been.💖

I don't share all this to gain sympathy, pity, or praise. I don't want it. This experience humbled me in a profound way, because it is only by the grace and mercy of God that I am here. I do not label myself a "survivor." I am an over-comer like those in scripture who heard the words of the Master when He said, "Your faith has made you whole."

I do share this as a way to pick up where I left off three years ago. I am well. I am healthy. I am happy. And I have so much to write about in the days and weeks ahead. I hope you will stay with me. Please let me know you're here, and don't hesitate to ask questions if you have them. You can even just say "Hi!" That would be fun too.  I will let you know when I've posted a new blog. Consider it my invitation to hang out, share a cup of coffee or tea, and good conversation virtually. I will likely even venture into video blogs (vlogs) from time to time. We'll see. I'm excited to be back.

Until next time . . .