Cancer

It was two years ago today that my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Cancer is a word that no one wishes to hear.

And it's also something that I wouldn't wish on anyone.

These are the things I remember from going through this:
1. I remember my parents didn't tell me until a couple weeks later, because I was just about to go through finals at school and they didn't want to distract me.
2. I remember being upset that they didn't tell me, but I was so terrified of losing my mom, I couldn't be mad.
3. I remember lots of doctor appointments.
4. I remember multiple surgeries.
5. I remember that every time we seemed to have made progress something else would come up.
6. I remember neighbors bringing over food for my family.
7. I remember my mom getting countless letters from all sorts of people wishing her luck and letting her know they were there for her and were praying for her.
8. I remember people taking the time to ask me how everything was going.
9. I remember kind doctors.
10. I remember seeing my family become closer as we pulled together to make it through this.
11. I remember a neighbor giving my mom a note every single day to help lift her spirits.
12. I remember being thankful for the little things that would go well.
13. I remember the relief of hearing that the cancer was gone.
14. I remember countless people being happy for us.

It was an incredibly difficult time,
But people made it easier by being kind and willing to serve.
I will forever be thankful to those people who took the time to ask how things were going, who gave encouragement, who made us food so there was one less thing to worry about, who would simply give a hug, who sent cards, who prayed for recovery, and who were simply there to be a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on.

Go out and make the world a little better.