Relay for Life

This morning I get to walk in the Fullerton Relay for Life. It’s an event sponsored by the American Cancer Society. I get to walk as a survivor.

My one year anniversary of my cancer diagnosis is coming up on the 18^th of this month and I still have a hard time getting my head around the idea that I had cancer let alone that I am now considered a cancer survivor. 

We all face moments in our lives, events that are life-changing.  I guess this was one of those events for me. 

As I look back, I wonder just how I have changed and how this event has changed me. This is not an easy thing for me to see. I am a positive person and have always enjoyed and appreciated a sunrise and a sunset. I didn’t suddenly have an epiphany and swing my life around to become super volunteer. For me this was another stepping stone, another door to go through in living out God’s will for my life.

I will say that I have become less tolerant of complaining and I realize a little more clearly now that life is finite and I shouldn’t waste a minute on worry. Unlike the feelings of immortality you feel when you are young, this event and the year since has brought into clear focus that God only gives us so much time and reminds me that ‘I have become painfully aware that there are fewer days ahead than there are behind’ to quote a favorite line from one of my favorite movies.

So, all-in-all, today I will walk in the Relay for Life with my son Matt and it will remind me to enjoy the moment and appreciate what I have now and remind me that I don’t have time to waste.