Old Habits Die Hard!

     Almost one month...nearly four weeks...28 days to be exact. That's how long it's been since I had my head shaved. And yet, what do I do EVERY morning as I get ready for the day??? I reach for my brush! You would think by now I'd be used to not having any hair.  But nope, every morning I still reach and then      I remember. 

 

      My curling iron, which I used every morning for years, is also lying there, waiting for me to use too.

 

     By now, you'd think I'd be used to seeing my bald head in the mirror each morning. But again, nope. For that split second, it still takes me by surprise to see and then recognize the person staring back at me.

 

     I guess it's time to put the brush and the curling iron away. However, in doing so, it's one more acknowledgement that my life has forever changed. That I have cancer. That I've got a LONG ways to go. That I won't need my brush and my curling iron for many, many more months. That I'm still getting used to the "new normal".

 

     As I said, old habits die hard.

 

     I am going to mention two of my most faithful cheerleaders tonight (actually early morning...2:09 am).  Every third day or so, I get a card with hand written words of encouragement from two friends I used to teach with. Leighan and Deb always lift my spirits with their cards and encouraging words. I do take their words to heart! Part of what they wrote in my last card said, "You are surrounded by beautiful people.  Stay strong friend." Thank you both for being my friend!

 

 

     I AM surrounded by lots of "beautiful people" who DO help me stay strong! My family, of course, comes to mind first.  No one can help me enjoy life more during this venture than Arland, our kids and their spouses, and especially my grandkids, Brody, Logan, and Olivia. The last three make me want to live to be 100 or even 101!!!

 

     The next "beautiful people" who come to mind are all the people who read this blog.  I appreciate all who say that they are keeping up with what's happening in my journey by reading my blog. All of you uplift and support me when you comment or say that you enjoy reading my posts. The golden thread in this is that I am staying connected through my blog to many dear friends and acquaintances.

     Another dear, sweet friend, and "beautiful person", is Heather. Heather recently sent me a book. It is called "No Lumps, Thank You" by Meg Spielman Peldo. The book has short, uplifting stories written by breast cancer survivors. The day the book arrived, I was having a bout of tears.  As I read the book, my tears of sadness turned into tears of laughter!!! I was actually laughing out loud after reading several of the stories! Some of them are hilarious!!! Thanks for helping me get through a teary time, Heather.

     The last "beautiful people" I'm going to mention tonight are all the friends who have sent me cards and notes since my venture began. Each day, I am so fortunate to get a card or two with kind, supportive words that give me encouragement and keep me going. Thanks to all of you who have sent a card! I very much appreciate them and feel so very blessed!!!