March 17, 2025 – the day our lives changed forever. The day that my husband and soulmate found out he had something terrible in his brain that turned out to be cancer.
And yet…
…sixteen and a half weeks later, after undergoing a craniotomy, eight days in the hospital, eight days in rehab, and six weeks of concurrent radiation and chemotherapy treatments, he is thankfully still here.
He may be exhausted, lost some hair, and dropped some weight…
And yet…
…he’s here. He’s whole. And he is still his kind, loving, witty self.
We may still have a long journey ahead of us…
And yet…
…we are together. Stronger than ever. Ready and determined to see this thing through, come what may.
Our world was shattered, our hearts were broken, our spirits were dampened…
And yet…
…we have seen true love, support, and caring. Our village has been our Rock of Gibraltar, guiding us through this storm and helping us stay afloat.
Mike was dealt a cruel hand and a devastating diagnosis.
And yet…
…this ordeal has shown us the meaning of friendship. I gathered the notes so many of you sent for his last day of treatment, wrote them out by hand, and placed them in a jar for him to read today. To say he was emotional is an understatement. He is grateful beyond measure for everyone that has stepped up. For all the meals. For all the visits. For all the texts and calls, and for all the beautiful messages in the jar.
Most people go through life never fully understanding just how much they mean to their loved ones.
And yet…
…Mike has been given a tremendous gift. This journey has made him realize that he is a rich man indeed. He is rich with love and friendship from so many people.
Cancer sucks.
And yet…
…there are so many blessings to be found if we just look through the right lens. And Mike was ecstatic to RING THAT BELL!!!!!!!!
If you’re reading this and walking through your own storm, please know you’re not alone. There is still beauty, even when life gets hard.
FINALLY ringing the bell…happy that radiation is OVER.
The beautiful notes from so many of you.