Thanksgiving – One Year of Survival

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Last week — as part of my new risky living — I joined Toastmasters. I was scheduled to present a “thought-for-the-day” at today’s Thanksgiving week meeting. But it was canceled so I’m sharing it here…

A year ago today, as I left a meeting of the EDC Charitable Campaign, I got a call.

It was my doctor telling me “I’m afraid I don’t have good news. It’s cancer.”

I listened. I texted Mark. I scrawled a few notes.
Then I excused myself from the office and walked home.

I thought that was the end. The end of me.

But it wasn’t.
I’m still here. And I’m stronger, happier and more grateful than ever.

None of us knows what tomorrow will bring.
But we do know what we have right now. Our families. Our friends. Our working limbs. Our pain-free, healthy bodies. Our peace. Our freedom. Our homes. Our incomes.

Our hair.

Marrianne Williamson said “Joy is what happens when we allow ourselves to recognize how good things are.”

We can call it gratitude or we can call it joy. Whatever we call it, all our moments are better lived when we focus on all the good we have right now.

So let’s.

Wishing you and yours a very happy Thanksgiving.

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About Andrea

Andrea Ross was diagnosed with breast cancer October 6, 2009 and intends to survive and thrive. You can read more from Andrea here.

  • It’s been surreal, distressing and a great learning experience. You are more beautiful than ever. Congratulations on the journey you’ve completed to date. I’m looking forward to the next 50 years of fun together.

  • Thank you for getting me here. I’m looking forward to that too. ilylc.

  • Jay

    Beautiful. There won’t be a dry eye in the house when you deliver that at next week’s meeting.

  • thanks, Jay.rnMy oncology appointment prevents me from presenting it next week. So this is it for this theme. rnBut I’ll be forcing myself to accept lots of speaking roles in future meetings. Ack!!

  • janice

    You are a talented wordsmith. I will maintain my attitude of gratitude – bolstered by your words and this time of year.nnThanks. You are an inspiration.

  • steve

    Toastmasters? Yikes! you are a champion.

  • Beautiful. Thank you for reminding us of the importance of acknowledging what we have, in all its imperfect, messy glory. The photo posted with this entry is evidence of the moving, working parts of your blessed life– your beautiful daughters, and dear, sweet Phaedra in the center of the mix!

  • Beautiful Andrea, just beautiful! Happy, happy Thanksgiving to you, Mark, the girls … and the pup!

  • A wonderful message, Andrea. As mentioned below, you are indeed a great wordsmith. Beyond words, you create a compelling picture.

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