LIFE AS I KNOW IT....

Life as I know it - comes to an end tomorrow!  I will chalk it up to one of many LIFE EVENTS I have experienced thus far!  I have mixed emotions.  I am anxious, I am excited to move on and I am scared.  I learned a long time ago that there is no room and FEAR and FAITH in the same house so with that being said, I choose FAITH!  That still doesn't mean that I am just a little tiny bit scared - cause I AM!!

One of the businesses I have owned and operated has been a medical transcription company for almost 30 years.  I have had numerous accounts in every medical speciality and have learned so much from those I have worked with and for.  I had the privilege once of doing the transcription for a Licensed Medical Social Worker.  She was an older lady who had a vast knowledge which contributed to the healing of many people.  I loved hearing her stories and the counseling she gave to patients who were struggling with every aspect of life.  She taught that every human being has what are called LIFE EVENTS.  Some are chosen - some are not.  Regardless of the path - LIFE EVENTS happen to everyone!  This wise woman counseled that if a person will break down problems and experiences in manageable parts - those problems and experiences are much easier to conquer.  That was such great advice - Advice I have treasured! 

I remember the transition from grade school to Jr. High and Jr. High to High School.  The first realization that really stands out to me was the night of high school graduation.  I remember thinking that life as I had known it all these years was going to change!  And indeed it did.  On to College, Marriage, Motherhood, Business Career , GRANDCHILDREN and MORE!  As my wise Social Worker Lady taught - Each of these happenings have contributed to MY LIFE EVENTS.

I find it amazing that I fell in love with a Wonderful Man I had only known for a few short weeks!  Even more amazing that after 36 years we are STILL in love!  I consider that a lot of hard work and a lot of LUCK!  I certainly do not take our relationship for granted!  I am GRATEFUL and I am THANKFUL each day for him.  He is a true BLESSING in my life.  A CHOSEN LIFE EVENT!

I remember coming home from the hospital the first time I gave birth.  Kasey was an 11 pound baby and needless to say it was a difficult birth.  We had to make a bed on the floor for a couple of weeks because I could not get on and off the water bed!  I remember going to bed that night on the floor, going to sleep and being awakened by his cries.  I laid there for a few minutes, Kerm still asleep by my side and saying out loud - OH NO!  It was up to ME to take care of that brand new boy!  It was truly a rude awakening of sorts - one I will remember the rest of my life.  A precious, joyful and exciting awakening, but nonetheless  - A LIFE EVENT!  And so it was with the three other babies.  Each one precious and joyful - each a new LIFE EVENT!

My 15-year-old sister Cynthia died after a tragic accident when Kasey was 7 months old - it was a LIFE EVENT!  I grieved for her and longed to hear her voice once again.   My mother and sister Jenny were injured in the same auto accident.  I cared for them all summer long at my home and when they returned home we started a new chapter in our lives - without Cynthia.  My dad died when I was 37.  I felt that was way too young to be without my dad and his influence. Once again I experienced that LIFE EVENT that happens to all of us at the death of a loved one!   I miss him every day of my life and think of him often.  I often wonder if he would be proud of the things I have done and accomplished in my life.  I hope so...

My brother Kurt died in another tragic auto accident in 2002.  He was five years younger than me and not only was he a great brother - he was a TRUE FRIEND!  I remember being on the phone -  hearing the news and being completely devastated.  While the caller was giving me the details to pass onto my family members - my mind immediately raced to his young wife and his four young children tragically left behind.  I vowed at that moment to be there for them throughout their lives - to help as I could and to hopefully be a good example.  With the death of my Mother in 2007 the stark realization of my own mortality hit - no longer was there an older generation - It was now MY generation in charge!  Those happenings were difficult LIFE EVENTS - but events I learned so much from! 

As Human Beings we CHOOSE many of our own LIFE EVENTS - Some LIFE EVENTS just plain and simply HAPPEN to us.  They are not our choice - they just HAPPEN.  It is up to each one of us to determine how we will handle the EVENTS life deals.  I have chosen to meet my EVENTS head on.  To meet and greet each day with the firm resolve that indeed I will conquer the things that are before me - one way or another!

November 30, 2011 my life changed FOREVER!  I will NEVER be the same again.  I hope I will be a kinder, gentler and better human being!  I want to be able to HELP others in a more meaningful way.  Tomorrow my treatment starts - and it is ABOUT TIME.  Life as I know it will come to an end.  My body will be invaded with chemotherapy and radiation and my prayer is that I will be able to HANDLE it!  I am THANKFUL and GRATEFUL for a HUGE support system - for amazing friends and wonderful family members.  Thank you to ALL of you!  Please pray for me - I need all the PRAYERS I can possibly get in my behalf!  This is a LIFE EVENT I did not choose and would not wish upon ANYONE!  But it is a LIFE EVENT I will handle and conquer with grace and dignity and LOVE for everyone!

Tonight my hand is in the hand of GOD - He will guide me and help me on my journey.  I give THANKS!