Saline Courier Column #1
If you’ve never heard the song “Blessings” by Laura Story, you should definitely listen to it. You can catch it on the radio station 90.1 FM, K-LOVE. I never listened to contemporary Christian music until recently, but I have to say it’s had a profound effect on my attitude and outlook during a very difficult time in my life. For those of you that don’t know me let me give you the short version of the story. I am 28 years old and I am a thyroid cancer survivor. I was diagnosed in 2009 at age 26 and in two years time I’ve had three major surgeries on my neck to remove my thyroid and cancerous lymph nodes. I’ve also had a radioactive iodine treatment that did not work. I finally received a remission status at the end of August this year. Thyroid cancer has a reputation of being “the good cancer”, mainly because it has a high survival rate, but let me assure you there is no such thing as a “good cancer”. I’ve learned so much about how important the thyroid is in controlling almost every bodily function. Having the remission status doesn’t mean this is something I’ll never deal with again; it is a lifelong issue for me and because there was lymph node involvement I’m at a much higher risk of recurrence.
I brought up the song “Blessings” because it’s based on the Bible passage James 1:2-4 which reads in the NIV: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” I have experienced my fair share of trials in life and I believe that I’m a stronger person and stronger in my faith because of them. I believe my cancer diagnosis to be a blessing in disguise. Thyroid cancer took away my most cherished possession, my singing voice, but in exchange God provided me with the gift of the written word. Writing was something I never in my wildest imagination believed I would have any kind of future with, especially since previously I only wrote because my school grades depended on it. I began keeping a blog of my cancer journey as a way to express my frustrations and triumphs. The blog turned into my way of paying it forward, using it reach out to others that were having the same struggle that I was or to those that knew someone with the same struggles. I just wanted others to know that they were not alone in their fight…to validate them and their feelings. Blogging lead me to the chance to have a column in the Saline Courier. It’s funny how things always work out even when you think they won’t. It may not be in the way you want but I do believe it’s always in the way that is ultimately best for you. I’m thrilled with the opportunity to write a weekly column in the Saline Courier and be a part of its growth. I’m excited about what the future holds.
I believe in making a daily effort to be thankful for the blessings in life but the holidays are a wonderful time to reflect on blessings while being surrounded by loved ones. I look back on the last two years of my life and despite the struggles and fear and heartache, I am thankful. I’m thankful for amazing, supportive family and friends. I’m thankful for God’s grace and unfailing love. I’m thankful for new opportunities and blessings in disguise. What blessings are you thankful for this holiday season?
