Life has a way of always waiting with something around the next corner for us. It’s good to be reminded that the only time we have is this life in this actual moment.
And I know you live your mantra. The weeks and months are flying by and choices are made. There is never a time when I don't think I should be doing something! Seeing something! Going somewhere! This is probably the longest time I haven't really explored other places in my life. It's an interesting change and further inspires me to WRITE ON, BOAT ON, HIKE ON..... so glad we connected here. ~J
I have a dear friend who's wife made the very brave choice to take pre-emptive steps to live without fear .... "WOW" I am not sure I have that in me - but I believe absolutely that if my Lord allowed me to know a life taking condition needed attention I would take that step in complete faith and trusting Him alone. God's blessings Janice Anne Wheeler
It was a very multi-faceted decision, and there were powerful influences that were certainly not scientific to assist me in that journey. I do live without that fear, and it makes a tremendous difference against such an insidious enemy. I am blessed indeed to have recognized and acted upon the choice. I'm sure your friend supports his love with his entire soul, too. ~J
In my role as teacher I'm often asked to write letters of recommendation and a common component of this process is to select three words to describe the applicant. The three words that first come to mind when thinking of you are: Conviction, Self-Care, and Self-Determination. I will see all of your writing differently now.
Food for thought, Scott! That's a hard request, isn't it? To describe a human with three words. I wouldn't have come up with these and am deeply flattered that you did. I wondered immediately how you would describe yourself? I certainly feel such a thoughtfulness from all of our communications and so appreciate this connection. I'm truly honored, again, again. THANK YOU. J
I wish I could introduce you to my childhood (and beyond) friend, Karen, who opted for a prophylactic mastectomy when she was 33. A writer and truly one of the kindest hearts I have ever, ever met, Karen later developed ovarian cancer, and still went on to defy the odds by living for decades. She died last year from "complications" with her port, but my gosh--what a light she shone into the world!
You are another of those torch bearers, Janice. The generosity with which you share this is evident, a chance to open the door to a community of people who are walking on related paths. Thanks for what seems like an act of courage from where I sit, looking on.
Thank you for sharing this, Elizabeth, my heart faltered when I read Karen's journey. Six months before the mastectomy I had a complete hyster for the very reason that eventually took her life. I'm sorry for such a loss, to you and the world.
To be considered a torch bearer along with her soul is, well, I'm not sure I have a word here this morning, so I'll just hang out in that glow all day today and convey to you how much I appreciate your words and our association. MY Colorado BFF gave me a canvas boat bag when I left my life out there and it is monogrammed with STRONG GIRLS ROCK. WE most certainly do!
Such a journey, Janice, and I applaud your strength in dropping that curtain here. It sometimes takes more energy to keep the curtain up that to let it roll into oneness with the rest of the "sparring" underway. You never know who you will reach, unexpectedly.
Your last line is perfect for this story, Amy; I have received surprising comments and, instead of having an uncertainty that I felt when I hit that 'send' button, it has been very reinforcing. I appreciate your note very much, and you even more. Your quiet strength emanates. ~J
Your book is a powerful testament to courage even for those of us whose challenges have been of different sorts. You are an amazing person and I love you muchly!
These words from one of the strongest and most caring people I know are truly telling, Loretta. We broke bread back when all of these decisions were being made and coming to fruition and I treasured our conversations and our friendship, as I do today. Thank you. J
The positive energy and warmth I have found in this little town is so wonderful and you are a big part of that, for certain, Tere. It means more than you will ever know! ~J
Looking backatcha girlfriend. I was lucky enough to have that choice, and you just faced the adversity head on, horns down, the whole gammit! And THANK YOU.
And I do love those capitals. Sometimes it's the only way I can yell! So HELL YES we're strong! Not afraid to say that! ~J
It has become more and more common. A friend of mine right here made the same decision I did at the same time and I had absolutely no idea. I hope she's healthy and happy!
What a delightful thing to read with my morning coffee, Nancy. Thank you, thank you, thank you for the support of all those brave and sometimes a tad crazy choices. It's much appreciated. ~J
Brave lady and your words will give huge support to others in similar situations.
No cancer here, beyond skin cancer and losing 1/3 of my ear.
But I lost 18 inches of bowel last year to something else entirely. I’m better off without it. Unfortunately talking about the ins and outs of bowels is not socially acceptable! Take care. XXXX
We strong girls don't care about that whole socially acceptable thing most times, do we? As I age I think how much more often such topics do come into conversation, though. I try to steer clear and not age, but it's not always possible!!
I truly appreciate your comments, Prue; I know you've faced tremendous challenges and prevailed. ~J
Janice I always enjoy reading your heartfelt stories. Your journey through cancer and decision you made took a great deal of strength, courage and I imagine a some tears. I admire you and your willingness to share on this forum. Cancer has touched my family as well. My husband was diagnosed with stage 3 melanoma 17 years ago and was fortunate to have beat it or we would have never met. Thank you for sharing your personal path.
I'm so glad your husband did so well, Cynthia. It's all frightening and so often insidious. I always love a happy ending.
As I look back, the decision was easy, if that makes sense, and then terrifying but still felt right. Tears? Absolutely. Max was a treasure! I'm so pleased you've joined us here. Perhaps this is a forum you'd want to share your incredible strength story? What would the title be? Something to consider, perhaps... ~J
Thank you so much so I am. My husband is the calmness in my storms. We will be married 15years in December. Yes it makes perfect sense to me. Easy decision,tears then tremendous trepidation..Oh.. I hadn't thought about using this forum... Title for my story.. I am pondering it. Blessings
Everybody has a story! Truth.
Thank you for sharing yours, my friend, one of great courage and joie de vivre. 💕
THANK YOU--my heart, today, is with our Miss Mona. Damn.
Keep your own love of life alive out there, big Roller. ~J
Life has a way of always waiting with something around the next corner for us. It’s good to be reminded that the only time we have is this life in this actual moment.
So, WRITE ON! BOAT ON! HIKE ON!
And I know you live your mantra. The weeks and months are flying by and choices are made. There is never a time when I don't think I should be doing something! Seeing something! Going somewhere! This is probably the longest time I haven't really explored other places in my life. It's an interesting change and further inspires me to WRITE ON, BOAT ON, HIKE ON..... so glad we connected here. ~J
I have a dear friend who's wife made the very brave choice to take pre-emptive steps to live without fear .... "WOW" I am not sure I have that in me - but I believe absolutely that if my Lord allowed me to know a life taking condition needed attention I would take that step in complete faith and trusting Him alone. God's blessings Janice Anne Wheeler
It was a very multi-faceted decision, and there were powerful influences that were certainly not scientific to assist me in that journey. I do live without that fear, and it makes a tremendous difference against such an insidious enemy. I am blessed indeed to have recognized and acted upon the choice. I'm sure your friend supports his love with his entire soul, too. ~J
My friend is the wife of a great friend and indeed she is most thankful.
In my role as teacher I'm often asked to write letters of recommendation and a common component of this process is to select three words to describe the applicant. The three words that first come to mind when thinking of you are: Conviction, Self-Care, and Self-Determination. I will see all of your writing differently now.
Food for thought, Scott! That's a hard request, isn't it? To describe a human with three words. I wouldn't have come up with these and am deeply flattered that you did. I wondered immediately how you would describe yourself? I certainly feel such a thoughtfulness from all of our communications and so appreciate this connection. I'm truly honored, again, again. THANK YOU. J
I wish I could introduce you to my childhood (and beyond) friend, Karen, who opted for a prophylactic mastectomy when she was 33. A writer and truly one of the kindest hearts I have ever, ever met, Karen later developed ovarian cancer, and still went on to defy the odds by living for decades. She died last year from "complications" with her port, but my gosh--what a light she shone into the world!
You are another of those torch bearers, Janice. The generosity with which you share this is evident, a chance to open the door to a community of people who are walking on related paths. Thanks for what seems like an act of courage from where I sit, looking on.
The girls rock, and you rock harder.
Thank you for sharing this, Elizabeth, my heart faltered when I read Karen's journey. Six months before the mastectomy I had a complete hyster for the very reason that eventually took her life. I'm sorry for such a loss, to you and the world.
To be considered a torch bearer along with her soul is, well, I'm not sure I have a word here this morning, so I'll just hang out in that glow all day today and convey to you how much I appreciate your words and our association. MY Colorado BFF gave me a canvas boat bag when I left my life out there and it is monogrammed with STRONG GIRLS ROCK. WE most certainly do!
Coming back to say: You are a courageous soul!
🌟 🌟 🌟
Such a journey, Janice, and I applaud your strength in dropping that curtain here. It sometimes takes more energy to keep the curtain up that to let it roll into oneness with the rest of the "sparring" underway. You never know who you will reach, unexpectedly.
Your last line is perfect for this story, Amy; I have received surprising comments and, instead of having an uncertainty that I felt when I hit that 'send' button, it has been very reinforcing. I appreciate your note very much, and you even more. Your quiet strength emanates. ~J
Your book is a powerful testament to courage even for those of us whose challenges have been of different sorts. You are an amazing person and I love you muchly!
These words from one of the strongest and most caring people I know are truly telling, Loretta. We broke bread back when all of these decisions were being made and coming to fruition and I treasured our conversations and our friendship, as I do today. Thank you. J
You are awesome Janice. So grateful for our friendship through yoga.🥰
The positive energy and warmth I have found in this little town is so wonderful and you are a big part of that, for certain, Tere. It means more than you will ever know! ~J
Look at you, proving that strong women are awesome 👏🏻
Looking backatcha girlfriend. I was lucky enough to have that choice, and you just faced the adversity head on, horns down, the whole gammit! And THANK YOU.
And I do love those capitals. Sometimes it's the only way I can yell! So HELL YES we're strong! Not afraid to say that! ~J
Good morning early riser. How are you feeling this week?
My husband's sister opted for a double mastectomy when breast cancer reappeared after her first surgery, 3-4 years prior.
It has become more and more common. A friend of mine right here made the same decision I did at the same time and I had absolutely no idea. I hope she's healthy and happy!
You have always been a brave woman. You continue to show your strength. Love you.
What a delightful thing to read with my morning coffee, Nancy. Thank you, thank you, thank you for the support of all those brave and sometimes a tad crazy choices. It's much appreciated. ~J
Brave lady and your words will give huge support to others in similar situations.
No cancer here, beyond skin cancer and losing 1/3 of my ear.
But I lost 18 inches of bowel last year to something else entirely. I’m better off without it. Unfortunately talking about the ins and outs of bowels is not socially acceptable! Take care. XXXX
We strong girls don't care about that whole socially acceptable thing most times, do we? As I age I think how much more often such topics do come into conversation, though. I try to steer clear and not age, but it's not always possible!!
I truly appreciate your comments, Prue; I know you've faced tremendous challenges and prevailed. ~J
Janice I always enjoy reading your heartfelt stories. Your journey through cancer and decision you made took a great deal of strength, courage and I imagine a some tears. I admire you and your willingness to share on this forum. Cancer has touched my family as well. My husband was diagnosed with stage 3 melanoma 17 years ago and was fortunate to have beat it or we would have never met. Thank you for sharing your personal path.
I'm so glad your husband did so well, Cynthia. It's all frightening and so often insidious. I always love a happy ending.
As I look back, the decision was easy, if that makes sense, and then terrifying but still felt right. Tears? Absolutely. Max was a treasure! I'm so pleased you've joined us here. Perhaps this is a forum you'd want to share your incredible strength story? What would the title be? Something to consider, perhaps... ~J
Thank you so much so I am. My husband is the calmness in my storms. We will be married 15years in December. Yes it makes perfect sense to me. Easy decision,tears then tremendous trepidation..Oh.. I hadn't thought about using this forum... Title for my story.. I am pondering it. Blessings