Time for Reflection

I don't know why it is but this time of year usually causes me to slow down and think about my life. To think how I might have done things differently or how I could improve different areas in my life. Also it's a time for gratitude, to acknowledge the many blessings I have. And not to forget it's a time for remembrance of ones who have left this life in the past year. So much has happened this past year and if it weren't for the loved ones left in my life I might not have taken things as well as I have. For those loved ones, well, they mean the world to me. Although I might not always put it in words.

I am very grateful for my husband who always seems to have my best interests in his heart. He's been a trooper this year, taking care of me through my illness and through the illness and death of my mom. He's one in a million and I am so blessed that he's in my life. He's a very patient and caring man. Like my grandmother told me when I married him "You could have looked for a lifetime and never found a better man than him". My grandmother was very wise.

Fall is my favorite time of year and most people know this that know me. I look forward to autumn all year long for the beautiful foliage, fun festivals and holidays, and just times with family. It might be because I'm so content during this time that it makes me reflect on what's been going on or that the end of the year is coming soon. Whatever the reason I just know that it happens this time almost every year.

Catching Up

I've let so much time pass by without a post and I feel bad about it. So many things have happened I don't know quite where to start. Well, yes I do. On March 10th this year I lost my dear, sweet Mama. I've been totally lost without her as you can imagine. There are so many things I miss about her everyday. Like I was telling a friend a bit ago there are things that I only talked to my mom about and now I don't have anyone that I feel I can talk those things over with. My mom was one in a million and I was so blessed to have her in my life. I cherish the memories I have of her. Even though she's gone from this life I still feel her presence always comforting and encouraging me to do my best.

In May I had a surgery where they removed my esophagus and 1/3 of my stomach. It was a major surgery and I was in the hospital for 17 days. I had a rough time in the beginning of my recovery and there are still some days that I have problems. I've had to have two dilations of my 'stomaphagus' since that surgery to enlarge the connections at my throat and where the intestine meets the stomach. This has made it easier for me to eat. For the first six weeks I had a feeding tube and it came out twice and had to be replaced.

The good news is that there was no cancer present in the nodes and I don't have to have chemotherapy or radiation so far. I have a scan coming in December to check if the cancer has spread to any other organ, but so far I'm okay as far as that is concerned.

I'm getting better and feeling stronger every day although some days I get really tired. I went back to work full time 6 weeks after surgery and a few weeks ago I started back at my part time job as well. Another benefit I received as a result of the surgery is that I've lost quite a bit of weight. As of today I've lost 64 lbs and hope to lose more. It's not the best way to lose weight but I think I'm getting around better as a result of it.

I'll post more soon, but this was just to catch you all up with what's been going on the past few months. I hope whoever is reading has a blessed day and thanks for taking the time to read this.