49

49 is the days my sister had once she was diagnosed with Cancer. I loathe Cancer! And "49" should sum up why. I know that I haven't written a happy-go-lucky blog in a while, but bear with me...I will soon. My whole perspective on the life we have has been radically rocked (as has all my family and friends of Karen). It's just jaw dropping to me as I still just sit here and think about how fast those 49 days were. It was jaw dropping for her oncologist that it was JUST 49 days. And the most heart breaking of all, it was jaw dropping (though she NEVER showed it) to my sister Karen. Cause the day before she passed away I could still see her fight in her eyes. She wasn't done.

As I flipped the calendar from July to August, my heart sank. The 13th was to be her 1st scan to find out if any of these harsh treatments had shrunk the cancer.

This is all just rambling and I apologize. I just gotta know that someone who reads this will take something from this. DON'T ignore what your body is telling you...it DOES NOT make you a hypochondriac to go to the doctor if something seems "off". You know what it makes you??? ....it makes you stick around for your family and those who love and care for you. And every one of you have those people in your life. And guess what? It will hurt their hearts so bad if your gone. I was one the worst about going to the dr. and I just tried to dismiss the occasional twinge and pang. It will NOT make you a "baby cry" to admit that you have these things and to see a dr. about it. I (we) will never know if Karen had felt any twinges or pangs that were her bodies way of telling her something wasn't right. So be proactive in your health. Only YOU know what you feel and what's "normal" and what's not. Don't go around thinking "oh I'll tough it out" and then you have to experience the "49". You don't want that...your family...your friends...your loves ones....they DO NOT want that!

I know that this "poem" has been passed around forever and most of you have already seen it. I know I've seen it before, but now having this experience with Karen it takes on a whole new, cherished meaning to me:

Life Is A Gift

Today before you think of saying an unkind word Think of someone who can't speak.

Before you complain about the taste of your food Think of someone who has nothing to eat.

Before you complain about your husband or wife - Think of someone who's crying out to God for a companion.

Today before you complain about life - Think of someone who went too early to heaven.

Before you complain about your children - Think of someone who desires children but they're barren.

Before you argue about your dirty house, someone didn't clean or sweep -Think of the people who are living in the streets.

Before whining about the distance you drive -Think of someone who walks the same distance.
And when you are tired and complain about your job,Think of the unemployed, the disabled and those who wished they had your job.

But before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another ,Remember that not one of us are without sin and we all answer to one maker.

And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down ,Put a smile on your face and thank God you're alive and still around.

Life is a gift... Thank God for it...