Happy Endings/New Doors

[CHD63]

Debbi .....

Thanks for bringing this thread back and updating in such an eloquent way.

All of our journeys are so different but it has been an uplifting experience to see the positives gained from each.  Thank you to everyone!!

Clarice

P.S. I shared mine on Jan's new thread so will not repeat here.

[raj_06]

Thanks Debbie for starting the topic.

Well, I think this AN has been a blessing for me (or at least, I would like to think so). First of all, I quit smoking, which might have led to more serious complications. I have become more compassionate toward others and can empathize easily with people who are going through bad times in life. I have also learned to live life more compassionately (eg, I love music more than before  , and have given myself more time to writing, which is one of my passions). Also, I am more confident now and do not get easily discouraged by small obstacles in life. I have come to value small moments in life and cherish my family more than ever. Moreover, in last three years I learned more (there are so many)  than I did in the previous 22 years.

[teffaz]

Six weeks ago, in ICU the day after my translab surgery, my husband held my hand and asked, "Squeeze my hand if it was worse than you thought it would be."

I didn't squeeze his hand.

He was ecstatic, and so was I. We continue to be to this day.


Best,
Brenda (Teff)

[Debbi]

You guys are all so awesome.  I have such admiration for each and every person here - you've all helped me in my journey and you all continue to inspire me. 

Keri, I agree that it is the challenges in life that make us stronger and more interesting. 

Raj - isn't it funny that something like a brain tumor can make us so much more in touch with things of beauty, be they art, photography or music

Brenda - I am fortunate, like you, to have a husband I love deeply - but I never loved him more than when he took my hand in the recovery room, looked at my swollen, paralyzed face (vomit bowl poised below my chin, just in case...) and told me that I was the most beautiful woman he knew.  Wow. 

You know, life is pretty darned good!

Debbi