Saturday, February 9, 2019

The view from here

Today marks Brooklyn's three year cancer-free-iversary.

It's a day to celebrate, and we plan on doing just that. We are going to her favourite place to eat and play. When I suggested we invite friends and family members, she swiftly said, no thank you, I just want to be together as a family.

Family it is then.
Always.

The view from here, it's so different.
It's heightened.
More aware.

I've learned so much.
Changed so much.

I don't tolerate drama,
because I know that real-life is more than enough to handle.

I avoid negative people,
because I know how it feels for life to be unbelievably hard.

I loathe victim mentality,
because I chose to fight through the worst days of my life to date and survive.

I steep myself in gratitude, even on the most difficult days.
I choose to see little pieces of silver lining in every black cloud.
And let me tell you, this is hard some days.

I stop in wonder to marvel at moments that used to pass me right on by.
I avoid situations and people who drain my energy and spirit.
I have faith for miles and miles, even though I don't know the way.

I discovered how true friends support each other in crisis.
I observed how family anchors family during the storm.
I know that some people exceed expectations, and others do not.

I love harder.
I hurt faster.
I breathe more deeply.
I choose happiness.

I am more honest.
I apologize when I make a mistake.

I am determined to see the good. 
I am focused on solutions.
I immediately navigate to peace.

I've learned we can't shut things off when they aren't going our way.
We have to endure.
Go right on through.
That's the only way out.
Through.

And here we are, three years later.
From the darkest days, to the most normal.
It's a beautiful place to be.
And I don't take a moment of it for granted.
<3