ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY

One whole year, can you believe it? January 19, 2008 marked the one year anniversary of my journey with breast cancer. On that date last year I was being wheeled into the operating room to begin the new year---a year filled with lots of amazing memories. Someone asked me the other day if it seemed like a whole year had passed and my answer was, "yes". I've thought back on that year and on all the fears that we faced as I began that journey. Of the prayers that God answered for us, of the wonderful friends and family members who stood by us and prayed for us, of the compassionate doctors and nurses who cared for us and of the awesome presence of the Holy Spirit who walked with us in every situation. Right where we were, that is where you were and where God was as well!

As the date of my one year anniversary approached, I started thinking of how I might give back to some of the people who had given so much to me. One group in particular who came to my mind were the ladies of my neighborhood who called themselves, "Team Ms. Judy". (Do you remember them? I wrote about them in my blog last Feb. 2007 and again in March) . Every time I went in for a chemo treatment, these ladies showed up at my door with a basket filled with items to help me through the chemo "aftermath". I called them my ARMY! I wanted so much to do something special for these ladies so, on January 19, 2008, I hosted a One Year Anniversary/Appreciation Luncheon and THEY were my guest of honor. What a sweet time we had together and how special it was for me to be able to give back to them just a little of the kindness they had shown to me. There just were not enough words to truly express how deep my gratitude was but, some how, I think they all knew. It was a fun way for us to celebrate-- not only where we had been-- but how FAR we had come together. It truly was a happy anniversary celebration.

And now, as my one year anniversary has ended and 2008 has just begun I wonder.....where will it take us? No one knows. Wherever it leads of one thing I am sure.....GOD WILL BE THERE! Thank you Lord for the journey you sent me on. For every tear, every fear, every pain and for every blessing. Through it all you have taught me SO MUCH! I know that no matter where I am in this life, you are there also. You go before me to lead the way, you walk beside me to give me strength, you carry me when I am too weak to walk alone, and you are there to celebrate with me when I hear the words "cancer free". Happy anniversary to me!!

I love you guys,
Judy

Psalm 13:6 "I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me".