Winning the Gold

My crew- just a few weeks prior to my diagnosis.  

I think I should back up and tell you about myself, my family and the wonderful life we have.  I'm a Massachusetts girl living in Las Vegas, Nevada.  My husband Doug and I have four kids between us. We are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, or Mormons and consider ourselves blessed to know that we are children  of a Heavenly Father who loves all His children.   We married 15 years ago after both of us suffered divorces that left us raising two kids a piece.  My little family- they are my joy, and the summer of 2016, prior to D day (diagnosis day) was  filled with  events that were like the proverbial feathers in my cap. I had a son returning home from a mission to Guatemala and another son to be sealed  (married) to his sweetheart in the LDS temple in Salt Lake City.  This is the stuff I spent years dreaming of and the stuff that I prayed for each day.  Another exciting piece of my summer involved a youth trek for our church.  This youth trek was big endeavor that I had been working on for close to two years.  It is easily the biggest thing I have ever organized and was something I also prayed about each day.  Summer 2016 was slated to be a highlight in my life and it did not disappoint. When school let out in June  (both Doug and I are teachers) we jumped in to this happy time headfirst.  The youth trek kicked things off  in June.  This is something I will write more about later as the people I worked with, one in particular, play a key role in my cancer story.  Less than two weeks after the trek we headed up to Salt Lake for an extremely joyous occasion; the marriage of our oldest son.  Following his marriage Doug and I spent a week visiting family in Idaho.  For the next few weeks we waited patiently for the newlyweds to return to the states so that OUR ENTIRE FAMILY would be there to welcome our Elder home from his mission.  It had been two years since we had seen Bret and the reunion was as sweet as honey.  Seeing our kids together again and spending time with all of them including our son-in-law Neil and our new daughter-in-law Kendall added to the happiness.  Doug and I are truly blessed beyond measure. In fact, at church during the first week of August I felt impressed to share my thoughts.  As I spoke to our congregation I compared the events in my life to the Olympics.  The Rio Olympics had just begun and Olympic fever was high in my house so the analogy seemed perfect to me.  Athletes, from varying backgrounds, some from very unlikely beginnings, work their entire lives, sacrificing much and giving all they have, to try and earn a gold medal. Doug and I were unlikely candidates for any sort of parenting awards.  We had both suffered divorces that left us raising our kids on our own.  How on earth did we qualify for these incredible blessings? On August 7th as I spoke to the congregation  I was filled with joy!  To me, there is nothing better than my little family and our simple life.  Several weeks later, after I was diagnosed I got a letter in the mail from my dear friend Joi. Joi has a dynamite family. Over a decade ago her oldest daughter was in a nearly fatal car accident in which she was struck head on by another driver.  Her daughter's recovery was long and difficult. Her pain and suffering were unimaginable. Joi knows all too well of the uncertainties of life.   She wrote:

Christine, 

I just heard about your diagnosis. Needless to say I am blown away.  My hands are shaking so I have to type this note or your won't be able to read it.  I Just want to share an experience I had when you bore your testimony this past Fast meeting.  The joy and happiness you spoke of, "Winning the gold" is how you put it.  As you spoke of your blessings, gratitude and love for God and His Son, I felt so strongly that his moment would be something you would lean on in the future. 

I'm no prophetess.  Let's make that crystal clear, but I even commented on this in Relief Society. Her is what I said,

"What Christine Said today, the love and gratitude she expressed, that is oil in her lamp. When hard times come, she will be able to lean on that confirmation of God's love for her. It can get us through the toughest times." 

When you bore your testimony it took me back to our life eleven years ago. Our son was on a mission, our girls were killing it in HS and our little boy was a surprise, but a wonderful addition to our family.  I felt that same gold medal feeling.  I still do!  And THAT is what got us through.  It just reminded me so much of us.

I don't know why I wanted you to you to know.   I almost pulled you aside that Sunday to remind you to never forget how you were feeling, because it's going to help you through tough times, but I thought that sounded crazy.  Anyway, I just want you to know we love you so much and are praying for your mind to  be at peace.

Joi was right.  I have oft considered how blessed I am and throughout this entire ordeal have never forgotten to find gratitude for all I have been given.  This week I saw Dr. President for a follow up exam.  As we talked he shared with me the power in positive attitudes.  He said, "Patients live longer and healthier when they remain positive.  They are more likely to recover and fare better during treatments." I'd be lying if I said I've been able to stay positive throughout this ordeal.  I haven't.  I've been unhappy some and endured a few sleepless nights, but overall I have been able to rely on that oil in my lamp that Joi mentioned.