A New Year & A Fresh Start

Dear Blogger Family and Friends,

Let me extend a big hug and warm wishes for a very Happy New Year to one and all. It remains a privilege and blessing to have so many people keeping me in their thoughts and prayers as I near the completion of cancer treatment. I am truly grateful for all the love and support you have shown me during the past year. It has been a tough journey, but I never felt alone, thanks to all of you, and especially to my husband and son, who held everything together when I was struggling the most. Having been treated in one of the world's finest cancer centers, I'm happy to report that all went well with the most recent surgery.....and, yes, I was on my best behavior during my hospital stay. However, it is good to be home now and recovering in my own cozy bed.......I feel like a little kid running around the house after the last day of school! The dog is also doing a happy dance!

While 2006 was not my worst year....I will admit I've had better. If I could pick and choose, I would say that most days were worth salvaging....some I have no memory of....and the rest I'd rather forget about and toss into a shredder! I am definitely ready to move on, but not before reflecting on some of the highlights of the past year, including the chart topping visit from my father (a.k.a. Papa Bear). His trip to Houston was a Christmas miracle, to say the least. My Dad, who has become both "mother and father figures" to his devoted brood since my mom's passing, is the last of the true, great Renaissance men....He is also a well-beloved source of intellectual and spiritual guidance. I look forward to sharing future conversations in 2007, and absorbing as much strength and wisdom as I can, from his profound life experiences.
Thanks, Dad.

Other precious moments (pre-surgery) were centered around my son's stellar graduation from law school; cherished family reunions in Ohio, Philadelphia & New Jersey; sentimental visits with relatives & cousins; the world's best-planned surprise parties with classmates and child-hood buddies; unforgettable encounters; encouraging phone conversations; and pleasant reminders of hilarious moments with long-time friends, colleagues, and partners in crime.

Additional Kodak moments (post surgery) included lively visits from my brother, sisters, brother-in-law, son & girlfriend, as well as my husband's niece, sisters, brother-in-law and cousins. (My sisters came as "Angels of Mercy", and met the challenge of cleaning my drainage tubes and surgical sites, armed only with the limited experience of changing a baby's diaper!)

I am also grateful for all the new friends and acquaintances who have entered my life this past year and look forward to developing stronger ties through our mutual interests, projects, advocacy, support groups, as well as the commitment to "The Faces behind Breast Cancer." Forward Ho!

During the months of treatment and recovery, my life was also sprinkled with cards, calls, flowers, care packages, emails, photographs, luncheons, high tea, homemade soup, organic herbs, and fruitcake! I am way behind on my "thank-you" cards, so please accept this blog as my token of appreciation.

I like to think of 2007 as a "Fresh Start" with the hopeful promise of new beginnings and new adventures....While some of you may not share my enthusiasm and are reluctant to "let go"....the truth is that we really don't have much say in the matter. The new year is going to begin with or without us....so just suck it up, and get in line! Don't worry, you'll be in good company.

It's hard to reconcile the end of something familiar in exchange for what's hiding behind "Door Number #3.".....With all the pressures of life, we want a good trade-off. But it's not some horrible journey to the land of no return. Think of all the resolutions and commitments for self-improvement. Think of making the world a better place for others as well as yourself. Think of all the wrongs you can recover, and all the rights you can implement. Think about the future and don't be afraid to contribute as well as benefit. Think of yourself as a power house with all the resources stored within your inner core. It's all there if you want it bad enough. Follow your heart, lose the fear and you will find the truth......I promise.

I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship

- Louisa May Alcott

Now, let's dance our way into the New Year and go to bed with a smile.

Sending you all a big hug and lots of love,

Josie
The Pink Crusader
thepinkcrusader1@aol.com