Many of you know that my dad was recently diagnosed with lung cancer. The months of December and January have been filled with doctor visits and x-rays and worry and prayer. My dad is really lucky because his cancer was found early and could be treated with surgery. He is at home recovering, and while the healing process will take some time, Dad is effectively cancer-free. Gratitude and immense relief have replaced the worry. At some point during these last weeks, I saw this Charlie Brown cartoon on Facebook, and it resonated. It has probably been around forever, but I have repeated the message to everyone I know lately! Coming from a long line of superstar worriers, I think that what this little message drove home for me is the value of today. This day. This opportunity to live.
Someday, hopefully in the very distant future, my father will leave this earth. But likely, he will not today. Today we are both still here where I can give him a hug and tell him the latest funny thing my daughter said. Today my dad can watch Family Feud on TV and make a joke with Mom and eat Uncle Marty's famous ham on homemade bread. Today we get to live.
As we move out from under the fog of worry of the past few weeks, I endeavor to let go of the worry of what is to come. I want to be more Snoopy and less Charlie Brown. "All the other days" are flying by, and I don't want to waste a single one.
I love this. Life is too short. We need to enjoy our days. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Audra. :)
DeleteI have been thinking of you and your family lately. Thank you for sharing today in your blog. I love the Snoopy cartoon. It is so true! Enjoy the moments!
ReplyDeleteThanks for thinking of us, Dawn! :)
DeleteThis was a beautiful reflection...I try to remind myself each day of what is truly important only to find myself in front of my computer working late when I should be visiting with my family. I'm copying that cartoon and putting it in front of me at work. Priorities...I don't want to have the message finally hit home when it's too late. I am so happy for your dad and know, personally, how much of a relief it is to be told that you don't need chemo or radiation. I hope he continues on the road to better health and that you are all able to take advantage of this wonderful reprieve. Thanks, again, for your message!
ReplyDeleteThank you. :)
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