One year ago today I got some bad news. After an MRI a couple days earlier, I had an emergency appointment with a neurosurgeon to review the scan. For the first time, the word tumor was used. For the first time, tears were shed as my wife and I sat in a small exam room and heard more about what they had found in my spine. I left work for the appointment that day a year ago and wouldn’t return again for almost 4 months. That day set in motion a wild blur of events that would forever change my life. It was horrible, terrifying, and yet ultimately amazing all at the same time. A friend yesterday called it a miracle and the more I’ve pondered that word I think he was absolutely right.
The past year has shaken our family to its very foundations. We were challenged to the breaking point emotionally, spiritually, financially, and physically. Were it not for our faith in God, an amazing support network of family and friends, and some amazing doctors; we may not have made it through this as we did. We were so honored to be able to celebrate my freedom from cancer with you at our party this summer. What a fitting and memorable way to mark an end to what has transpired this year.
Last night we planted a tree in our front yard –a gift from a family who has kept us in their prayers this year. It is an apple tree with 4 different varieties grafted onto the main tree – one for each member of our family and a main stem for God. They presented it as a tree of life. It has found a home in our front yard where we will see it daily and remember what has happened this year.
It is a miracle that I am alive today.
It is a miracle that I am free of cancer.
It is a miracle that I can walk.
Thank you all for following my story on this blog. I am blessed to have you all in my life.