I can’t believe it’s been a year since I first started this blog! So much has changed since January 1, 2011! I can definitely say that 2011 was an extremely difficult year on my family and I as we experienced death of loved ones, family divorce, brain tumors and brain cancer, and the stresses from every day life… but there are also so many things to be thankful for.
I’d have to say my biggest challenge from 2011 was the diagnosis of my brain tumor. Which, I did have surgery for, but then I received a brain cancer diagnosis while in the hospital recovering. I then went through nearly 8 weeks of radiation, which took a major toll on my body. While I still feel side effects from my brain surgery and late-term side effects kick in here and there from my radiation, I really do feel much better than I did only 2 months ago. My bad days used to outnumber the good days, and that was difficult not only on myself, but those in my life. I am so happy to say that I truly feel like things are starting to look up. I had an MRI on December 14th. It was my first official follow up for brain tumors. I recently received those results and I am pleased! No new tumors and the swelling is decreasing as it should be.
When I think back on all of the difficulties, heartbreak, and challenges from 2011, I realize that most of those things have either resolved, improved, or can be eliminated. That’s a great feeling to start the New Year.
Today I realized all of the wonderful possibilities that January may hold for my family and I’m excited and hopeful for how all of those situations turn out.
While I’m on the topic of wonderful things happening in January, I am so very excited to announce that I got engaged yesterday! I feel like the luckiest girl in the world. I know I get to share the rest of my life with the most amazing man ever! (Sorry babe, I know you hate when I brag on ya, but you deserve so much credit!) I have never met anyone who has truly loved me for all that I am.. even during the difficult times. I know it wasn’t easy for him to be by my side during my health issues in 2011 – but he stayed. For many couples, an issue like brain tumors/brain cancer (or other major health issue) it can mean the end of a relationship because it gets to be too much to handle. I truly believe Tony has helped give me so much strength to keep fighting and finding good in each and every day. (Not to mention, we have a very beautiful, happy, and health daughter who enriches our lives every day!) No matter what difficulties we’ve faced, I can say in complete honesty, that I have never known a day where Tony strays toward negative feelings. His positivity and optimism are contagious, and I am so blessed to have him in my life.
Well, now that my 365 days have passed for the photo project, I haven’t fully decided what this blog will become. Perhaps I will continue posting photos, or sharing random ramblings from life, or even blogging my wedding planning journey. (Possibly all of those options)
Either way, I would like to say “THANK YOU” to everyone who has loved and supported me all along the way! I am forever grateful and can never thank you all enough. You’ve all touched my heart and stood by my family and I during the most difficult time in our lives. I hope you all have a great New Year!
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