Cody Updates by Mom

Another year under the belt, 4 years cancer free.  YAY!!!!

This year, I have had a little bit of a different view or feeling as I get close to my day.  In many respects this is like an “uber” birthday for me.  I look forward to celebrating another year that I am here.  I research “pink” desserts to make and spend a numerous amount of hours baking.  It calms me and allows me time to reflect on the joy of my victory over this really crappy disease.

However, it is more and more bitter sweet.  I have had people comment that I shouldn’t be so “loud” with my celebration because others did not make it.  Others fought and lost.  My celebration reminds them of those they have lost.  I am fully aware of this as my father died of cancer in 1994.  My kids and many of my nieces and nephews never had the chance to meet him.  I think of him daily as his picture sits on my desk.  I hope that he would be proud.  I wonder if he would want me to celebrate.  He would.  He would be happy that I am still here.  He would want me to make sure that all know that it is okay to celebrate.  It is okay to be happy for what I have.

So, I think of all of those that are suffering right now.  There are people in my life that are losing their battle.  They are not going to win.  There are others that have lost loved ones and the wounds are still raw.  My heart aches for all of these people.  I wish there was something I could do to help cure this crap.  Do I hide my relief that I have made it another year?  Do I stop celebrating my life?

So, I am choosing to celebrate.  Why?  Because I have learned the value of living every single day.  To appreciate the fact that I am living.  Not even thinking of all of the other medical crap in my life, I am happy that I have another day.  Another day to bake, to be mom and spouse, to be sarcastic, to love my job and to just be me.  Even if my time is short, I want it to be amazing.

In the end, there really isn’t anything that is going to damper my celebration.  Even though mother nature seems to be trying to with her snow storm and record low temps that will happen tomorrow.  Really?  Come on!  It is supposed to be the start of spring not the middle of winter.  People wonder why we get crabby this time of year, well, just look outside.  Blech!  Still trying to understand why my ancestors thought that this was a good place to pick.

I want to end with this.  Everyone in my life is amazing.  You give me strength even though you may not know.  I am blessed beyond what I can imagine to have the support that I do.  My hope is that you can find even a small celebration to lift your heart.  Don’t let these diseases define us, don’t let it win by taking our inner souls.  If it is too early to celebrate, my wish is that you can find a moment of peace in this unfair world.

Tuesday, April 3rd, is my pink day.  I have made a ridiculous amount of pink, fun treats.  If you work with me daily you will have the fun of joining me in feasting on the crazy amount of pink things that I have made.  If you do not work with me, but you are here in the metro area, stop by and grab a treat.  I would love to see you and thank you personally for being my friend.  If you are not here, please have something pink.  No calories when you are celebrating!!!