The past year has shown me the kindness of humanity, the faithfulness of Jesus and the good that is ever present even in suffering. 

Last year at this time I had just been released from the hospital after major surgery and struggled to move from sitting to standing or walk from my bed to the bathroom. 

Fast forward to today: 4 surgeries, more treatments than I care to count, endless doctors appointments, physical therapy, and a whole lot of “pushing through the hard stuff” later- my body is becoming stronger every day. This past week, while working with my Personal Trainer-I accomplished 30 second handstands and actually bench pressed! This is HUGE considering 365 days ago I not only had a double mastectomy and open abdominal surgery but also had a part of my chest wall and muscles removed because the cancer was burrowing through!

I have a 22 inch scar from hip to hip and some significant scars from the reconstruction that will forever remind me of my most difficult & beautiful  year  ever. I am thankful for each person who has prayed, sent cards, gifts, food, emails, and texts cheering me on! 

Last year at this time, I was clinging to the word “HOPE”. Hope is not the same as wishing. Hope is active. Hope is knowing, trusting, believing, and doing the next right thing. Each of you in some way contributed kindness that bolstered my hope. This Christmas, as I reflect on the Hope that was born to bring salvation to the world, I am thankful to each of you and especially to Jesus for bringing me through.

“In all things I have shown you that by working  hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He Himself said, “It is much more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35

I stumbled across the song “Warrior” by Hannah Kerr that seems to sum up my current perspective:

 

Every scar on my skin Is a beautiful reminder Of a moment when I didn't give in And I walked through fire 'Cause in the dark there is a light Your truth it keeps on burning bright Makes me brave to fight the fight And shout the battle cry You'll never stop me I'm a warrior When I fall down I get stronger Faith is my shield, His love is the armor I will keep the hope alive I will find the strength inside I will keep the hope alive I am a warrior, I will survive I will keep the hope alive I will find the strength inside I will keep the hope alive Warrior You'll never stop me, I'm a warrior When I fall down I get stronger