Cancer Survivor's Aim

 

Cancer is the gift that keeps on giving.  Shucks, I finished treatment for the second diagnosis of cancer after two years of drugs, treatments, radiation and surgeries. Blah, today I open up an email with my “Long Term Post Plan”  from a survival support with my oncologist's office.  It is lengthy, detailed and tedious with tons of recommendations post-treatment. It reads like a laundry list of what I just went through.  Seriously,  how about I just concentrate on the moment and live more fully?

If you get the diagnosis go through the treatment protocol recommended for you,  after asking many questions. You may even want to get a second opinion; insurance covers this. But, at the end of the day, post treatment for cancer, don’t put yourself in a box. Living with fear and tons of regulations and restrictions is not living. Embracing your life is what you fought for.  Put away the boxing gloves of fear and fight and chill. Then walk out that damn door and live!  Don't force yourself to do things you don’t enjoy, e.g. lifting weights is not my thing!   Congrats on crossing the finish line, surviving treatment!!!!

There is life after cancer if you choose it.  Choose wisely. 

Note to Cancer from me: You picked the wrong bitch!  

Keep Sales Local

 This holiday season I have made a point of going out shopping to some stores.  For far too long, so many of us have stuck with online shopping. It was necessary during the peak period of COVID.  However, that time has passed and by sticking with online purchasing only, many retail stores have been hit hard.  Many went out of business.  

Shopping online doesn't require the number of workers in stores, thus it affects our job market and economy at the local level.  Shopping exclusively online makes it super hard for small locally owned stores to stay afloat.  I know the inventory online is larger and at times, needed but if we all try to increase local spend dollars in retail stores in our communities, it will go a long way. Yes, you may pay slightly more for something but indirectly you already are when the economy is bad due to less job openings.   So whether it is the mom and pop's locally owned stores and/or retail chains, please carry the idea of shopping in stores (when you can!)  into 2025. Direct or indirectly, we all benefit! And does Jeff Bezo really need all of our hard earned dollars?

Bottom Line: When you shop in stores in your area, you are supporting the local economy.

Signs and Sounds of Christmas

 I love writing about Christmas. It usually lands up being a very positive uplifting post!

The beauty of Christmas can be seen far and wide. It can be seen up close and personal

during the holiday season. Each child whose eyes light up, therein lies part of the magic of the

season. As trees sparkle, be reminded of the North Star over a poor couple in a stable.  As the Goodwill ringer stand outside stores, yes, there are poor among us that deserve so much more.

The voices that rise in chorus to the songs of old remind us of the tradition of Christmas and the power of voices on high!

Beyond the commercialization of Christmas is the underlying message of giving and of hope.  Carry that spirit with you where ever you go.  Give to those in need what you can and savor your own blessings. And never lose hope of brighter days ahead!

Be the Christmas Light

 Who is feeling more emotional this holiday season? To my cancer sisters and brothers out there, I am.  Two years fighting cancer was enough to make me appreciate being alive for the holidays.  

No matter what is going on in the world, I know inside I am blessed. You are too, all of you reading this.  You are here; that is saying something with all the violence, illness and strife going on around us. You are meant to be here and embrace the holidays!

Every time I hear of another school mate dying, I recognize that I get to create more memories.  Though I have no fear of dying I really would like to spend more time with loved ones on earth.  Is there ever really enough time to spend with those that matter in your circle?  Those that have died before us, most of us wish we had one more moment, one more laugh, just even a touch. 

When the lights on your Christmas tree light up, remember you have a chance to light up others lives.  Yes, even the cashier checking you out wishing she could afford at her minimum wage all that you have in your cart, the neighbor that has problems inside their home you know nothing about, the children you come in contact with that are in foster homes or living in poverty, even the homeless person. It costs nothing to say Have a blessed Christmas. 

Share your joy, it is nothing without the gift of giving.    🎄

 

Ava's Eyes

 

My granddaughter turned 17 this month. Yeah, that just happened.  And all the sudden I realize my granddaughter can be considered a “young American.”  That is an important distinction because with it comes a tremendous responsibility.

Too many Americans are allowing things that matter long-term to get pushed to the wayside.  The focus seems to be on personal gain, what suits “me.”  Though so many throw young people are thrown under the bus and called too entitled, I have heard far more adult voices these days ask “What is in it for me?”  

Personal gain is becoming the new norm. Pushed aside is the idea that paying more for things might help all of the minimum wage folks be able to support their family and not rely on government support. The same people opposed to that idea hate government support which they call hand-outs.    Responsible gun ownership might be common sense if we thought about the tomorrows that young children that were shot down at school could have lived. I know, it doesn’t affect me so why does that life matter?   Prison reform might decrease recidivism but why spend money on criminals? Ask police officers why rehabilitation matters.  And, our planet, yeah that. It could be helped if we all did just a few simple things but nope, that might put us out too much.

So, when my granddaughter turned 17, I pulled many images of her past year. I thought about how her life could make a difference, her voice and others like her. So it is a birthday video but it is also one set to a song with a social message behind it.  Hopefully one that touches those that hear it!

Granddaughter's Eyes Video