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Happy and HEALTHY New Year

Forums General Melanoma Community Happy and HEALTHY New Year

  • Post
    WithinMySkin
    Participant

      Hello my fellow fighters!

      I haven't posted in forever, and my apologies for the absence. Sometimes you have to step away from the cancer thoughts to clear your brain.

      But this year, my New Year’s resolution is to become more grateful. Melanoma knocked me down for a bit, physically and mentally, but I’m determined to get back up and be stronger and better than before my diagnosis.

      So one of the things I have to tackle is my mindset. I’ve come a long way and I don’t want to lose sight of the lessons cancer has taught me. Melanoma taught me what truly matters – what TRULY matters – and that’s not something you can learn from a book. I may step back every once in awhile, but I will never be able to forget my journey through cancer and the amazing people who helped me along the way.

      I just wanted to say a HUGE ‘Thank You!” to every single person on this board. You all helped me through some seriously tough times. The hope, the comradery, the information, the whole thing is amazing. While reading your posts, I laugh, I cry, I hope and pray, and together we weather the storm.

      I know not every post is positive, just as every day can’t be an amazing day, but every post and every reply helps someone. I have been that someone. I’m not out of the woods yet (and we all know that Melanoma is a sneaky b!tch) so I may be that person again someday.

      But today is a gift. I have today. And today, my heart goes out to every single person on this board. I am so grateful to know that you are all there as a support for everyone fighting the good fight.

      Lots of internet *hugs* and wishing everyone a happy and HEALTHY year ahead.

      Lauren

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        sister of patient
        Participant

          Hi Lauren – Those are some really lovely thoughts and feelings you've expressed – and well-said too!! I share many of them even though I am (was) a caregiver not the mel warrior myself.  My sister is the warrior and I want to share what she's been doing to show her gratitude (yep, I'm gonna brag).

          She was officially declared NED several months ago and since that day she has been paying her gratitude forward by doing an act of kindness for a stranger – every single day!!! She does simple stuff like paying for the car behind her at the (Timmie's – we're Cdn.) drivethru – on the Sat. night before Christmas Eve, she was wrapping bunches of presents >> 6 gift bags full of practical and yummy things, all for seniors (specifically, those who were alone with no family) – if she's 'out & about' running around, she's the one holding doors for people or helping folks in need to get groceries out to their car – stuff like that. It was not so long ago that she couldn't do those things for herself, let alone anyone else.

          Her gratitude is all-encompassing and includes all the people on this board too, even though she doesn't come here herself. That's why it's "pay it forward" because of all the nameless, faceless souls that have contributed to her well-being.

          Thank you for posting and sharing and may this year bring you great health and all the happiness you can stand! 🙂

          Barb

            WithinMySkin
            Participant

              Hi Barb – Brag away!! Your sister sounds like an AMAZING woman and congrats on her NED status! I feel exactly the same way. Every day is a blessing and we need to treat it as such. We never know another person's story or what they've been through in life, so why not treat everyone with positive respect. I love that you 'pay it forward' – thats such a great way to live life!

              Wishing you AND your sister many happy and healthy years ahead!

              Lauren

            jennunicorn
            Participant

              Couldn't have said it better. Happy new year Lauren! 🙂

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