I know that cancer should be the first thing that comes to mind regarding experiences and events in my life this past year, but honestly it doesn’t take first place, it doesn’t even rank in the top ten. Yes it has been the most difficult thing that I have had to adjust to this past year, but I really don’t want to remember 2007 as “The year I found out I had cancer”, instead I would like to remember the high points, the things that made me happy.
I just got back from spending a glorious week with my husbands twin brothers, Jeff and Jim and their wives and children and I can honestly say that it was the best trip that I have had in a long time with my husbands family.
We made so many memories sitting on the deck around the fire pit, or in the garage while the kids were asleep (Not!) I would love to tell you about them all but that would take forever so I will just tell you that this Christmas/New Year was one of my most memorable ones. There were alot of tears, and alot of laughter… Not much in the way of bickering (that is a great thing considering the amount of kids we had in the house!) and alot of long talks by the fire. It was bone chilling cold, but as you can tell in my last post, I was bundled up to the Max. (you don’t know how cold it is until you have no hair!)
Now I would like to list the top ten things I have learned this past year:
- 1. Do NOT take one moment for granted.
2. Live life like there is no tomorrow.
3. Just be nice. Really.
4. Tell your family you love them every day.
5. Say thank you when someone does something nice.
6. Forgive others mistakes, life is too short to hold on to bitterness.
7. Smile. No matter your circumstances. Smile.
8. Hug your children and your husband an extra 5 seconds.
9. When people stare, smile back at them. Trust me.
10.Live Happily . No matter what life throws at you. Just Live Happily.
(I start chemo tomorrow night, so please pray that it does what it needs to do and nothing more. Thanks!)
I’m glad you had a wonderful time. Agreeing in prayer that the chemo does what it needs to do and nothing more. Amen…
What a beautiful family you all are! I am really taking your top 10 to heart. Thanks Heather. Wishing you a happy and healthy new year.
You’re a gem. Love dropping in to read about your sunny outlook on life. May we all learn to incorporate these 10 life lessons into our daily walk.
“Hauoli Makahiki Hou”.. Happy New year” Heather from your (ohana0 family here in Hawaii. I’m so blessed to hear that you had a wonderful trip and time with your family.. you truly deserve it, as well as your hubby and kids.I feel the same about not allowing my health issues to take priority in my life. and I also focus on life, living, and giving, all that I am to my family, friends, and all who I meet during this journey I’m on… Hugz Sistah!!!
What a great list Heather! I really liked 8 & 9! Praying for you, for blessings and much healing in 2008!
Heather, that’s a lovely post, and you look beautiful. Agreeing with you in prayer for the chemo treatments.
Happy New Year! Glad to hear you had a great week. I was wondering when chemo was starting. I figured it would be soon. As always, You will be at the top of my prayer list this week.
You my dear girl, are GORGEOUS! I love that last pic of you . . . but of course I’m talking not just about those pretty eyes and angelic smile, but about the Light of Christ that shines through you . . .
I don’t comment much, but I read always . . . and pray for you always . . . May our Lord and Saviour be with you in this next year so it’s even BETTER than 2007 was!
GREAT to see you again! I’ll be praying for you this week. I enjoyed seeing the photos — and I love your list. Good reminders. I’m glad that you had such a nice week. D
I love this list. In fact, I’m going to print it out and add it to my home management binder. Thanks for sharing your hard-earned wisdom with us. You look beautiful by the way!! I’m so glad you had such a great time with your family. It sounds like a perfect vacation!
AMEN! I love this list, Heather. I’m going to link to this post. It’s awesome.
God bless you, and of course you’ll be in my prayers as always, especially tomorrow at Epiphany services. +
Heather-Thank you for the MANY lessons you have taught me through your post. You are amazing! It helped to equip me for what I would go through just a few short months later with cancer, too. And yes, it IS cold with no hair. I am just now getting mine back. I look forward to what the Lord has for you this year and can’t wait to rejoice with you.
Lovingly,
Shari
I’ve been reading your blog forever now for many reasons but most of all for the exact points you wrote above. Thanks for saying it so well.
Loving your list of lessons. Wishing you all the best with your chemo
Great list, Heather.
You sure are a special gal. That’s why there are so many of us who come here often and feel like we “know you”. I guess we DO have a bond. Christ!
I love the list!
And the beautiful family pics. I will be praying for your chemo!
Love your list, esp the one about smiling when people stare. I will remember that one — I have an autistic son and we get some stares… it doesn’t usually bother me but smiling back is a great tactic!
Praying for the chemo to do its job.
xoxo karen
Praying along with you regarding your chemo, Heather. So glad your Christmas was a good one… truly a gift from the Christ Child.
One in the Body~ Pearl
VERY, VERY good advice! Glad you had such a wonderful time and I will be praying for your chemo!
kisses from A Coruña, Galicia ,España.
I will pray for you tonight.
we missed hearing from you.
So glad to hear you are doing well! Lord let her Chemo fight the bad cells never the good. Give her energy and endurance to go through this cycle. WE trust you for it Lord. Thank you for bring her into my life. in Jesus name Amen
Glad to see that you are back!!Love the pictures.Your list is worth learning and taking to heart.
Will be praying for you.
That is a great list! I always think it is amazing that the most simple things are the most profound and important!
Cute hat!
So glad you had such a nice trip! I will be praying for your chemo treatment!
Happy New Year!
~Gina
Glad you enjoyed the holidays and you look great! Good luck tonight with the chemo. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Hugs,
Amanda
Smiling back at yah!
Happy New Year
Great photo of your family! I am so glad you had a wonderful Christmas. Thanks for the list, and am praying for your chemo.
I’ll be praying, Heather. Thanks so much for sharing this – the photos are great, and you look awesome!! I’m so glad that you guys had such a wonderful time. Those memories are what life is made of!
Your list really touched me; every single one is so true. Thanks for the reminder.
So glad you had such a wonderful time with family. I love your list, keeping it simple and real. It is what I want to do in my life too. And I have to say that the “Beauty of Jesus” glows all over your beautiful face Heather. He truly is the reason for your joy and I am praying for chemo to do only what it needs to do, and nothing more. Be blessed sweetie, you sure bless me.
Love, Laurie in Ca.
Dear Heather,
I’ve been following your story for awhile now. I want you to know that I’m praying for you! You are an inspiring woman. May God give you His perfect peace & strength!
Melody in MN
Heather,
Your list of the top ten things you learned in 2007 is great, whether you have cancer or not it’s great. Keeping you in my prayers as chemo starts.
Hugs ‘N Prayers,
Norma
Heather, you sweet, sweet girl. My heart goes out to you for being so real with us at all times. I’m so glad you had a good Christmas/New Year’s holiday time with family. What a blessing that was for all of you. I’m still praying for you and will continue to do so.
Love, Betty in Oklahoma
Heather,
You look beautiful!! I I have followed your journey for several months now and I think your an amazing person. I love your top 10 list. The pictures you have posted from you trip are awesome, thanks for sharing with us. I will pray for the chemo to do what its supposed to do for you and nothing more. God Bless you and yours. Happy 2008 Shannon
You look GREAT Heather,
Happy newyear. always praying for you.
I wish you love and luck with your chemo. Fight on pink warrior. My thoughts and prayers will be with you.
Tia
What a year indeed!!! I can’t even think of what to say in a comment – my heart is just too full of a million thoughts and feelings. {{{HUGS}}}
Happy New Year Heather!!!And Family
great list she says as I have tears at my eyes 
It’s so wonderful to see your lovely smile and the family pictures.Here’s hoping that 2008 treats all well.Huge hugs to the family..