I am healthy and happy.  And I am still walking around with that feeling of thankfulness.  It hasn't worn off yet, and I am so grateful for that.  Any one who has had a tragedy or a battle similar to mine, will understand what I mean.  When faced with your mortality, you immediately have a freedom that you never had before.  The majority of this freedom comes from within.  All of a sudden, opportunity cost became something very applicable to how you spend your day and plan your life.  For me, it was the most liberating feelings. I know that some people find it absolutely crazy when I say that I am so glad that I got cancer.  But it is true.  I love this perspective that I have paid dearly for.  If I had to go back and make a choice 1) get diagnosed with cancer at age 20 and spend ten years battling it, or 2) Be healthy and have a normal life, rest assured, I would do it exactly the same.  

I say all of this because I want everyone to remember that cancer is not the negative beast that we have made it out to be.  It can be an amazing blessing. I know that it doesn't always turn out that way, but perhaps if we all made a small shift by immediately attaching positive energy to cancer, then maybe it would make a difference.  I would like to think so.

With all of that said, I know that many of you became very close and touched by my mother, Jan, as she kept you updated during my battle. You felt like you were sitting along side of her, felt her tears, and the exhaustion.  But also, you surely felt her strength, and her power, and her absolute faith in God's ability to heal.

Well, my mother is starting a battle of her own.  She has breast cancer.  But before you send all of the, "I am sorry" messages, please reread what I wrote above.   

She has been presented with a battle of her own.  My mother is such a gifted healer.  This is obviously something she must go through in order to gather more "tools for her toolbox" and continue to grow.  This is my message: Mom, I know I am supposed to be sad, and upset.  But I am not.  Yes, I am scared, as any child would be.  But I know you.  I know what you are capable of.  I have felt it and been healed by it.  I am not sorry for you.  I am looking forward to watching you shed all of the unnecessary and watch as an amazing woman steps into herself. 

I send this message to all of you because I am selfishly asking you to keep her in your prayers this week.  Surgery is Tuesday at noon.  I know without a doubt that the fact that so many of you kept me in your prayers made a significant difference in my healing.  Mom said that when she walked into my hospital room, she could immediately feel it.  Please, please, please - do this for her.  She certainly deserves it.

Thank you - Just knowing that all of you walk around with my story inside of you keeps inspiring me over and over again.  

God Bless!

Love, Shanna