One year ago today...

September 26, 2008. I underwent a bilateral mastectomy. A double mastectomy. I lost both my breasts. If you have read my blog, you know that I have been diagnosed with breast cancer twice. I am a survivor. What does that word really mean? To go through something and come out on the other side. To live through an ordeal, a life changing event. To survive and live to tell the story!

Yes, I'm still alive! I look back over the past year and can hardly believe it. The images are sometimes fuzzy and a blur... did this really happen to me? How did I get through this? Well, first I have to Thank God. When you hear the words, all things work together for the good of them that love the Lord, these are more than words. This is the truth. Both times that I was diagnosed, it was truly the Grace of God that led me to question my health for whatever reason and the process that evolved led me to discover the truth of why I was there. The first time in 1998, I was actually trying to get a referral to see a dermatologist! This time, I found a spot on my left breast that wasn't there before... it just looked weird and where did it come from? Both times of questioning led to the diagnosis that would save my life.

My son stepped up and became my life line. I know it was extremely uncomfortable for him but he stood strong and did what he needed to do. At times, I tried to still be Mom and do things for him, but he saw through the ruse. He allowed me to need him - something that I was not comfortable with, but at the time I had no choice. We both are better people for what we went through.

So here I am one year later. The past year has been a struggle. After my last chemo treatment I felt like I had been run over by a Mack Truck!!! I forced myself to finally go back to work after about 10 days, and 2 days later I was laid off. Wow... are you kidding me? I left the building and called my son. I then pulled into a parking lot and felt ... relief! I didn't know what I was going to do, but I knew deep down inside that this was a blessing. I had great insurance to get me through the breast cancer, chemo and surgeries. Now I was unemployed, bald and really really tired, but I managed to feel blessed.

Today, I am still unemployed but I have a roof over my head, food in the fridge and friends in my life. My son is happy and is enjoying the love of his life. She feels like a daughter to me and I couldn't be happier! God is truly AMAZING!!!

In two days, I will celebrate my birthday! I wanted Sisterlocks for my birthday, but I am postponing that until it is financially responsible to spend that kind of money, but trust me - it will happen!

For anyone and everyone who ever reads my blog, remember this... God is in control. He doesn't make mistakes and if you trust him, he will bring you through! That much I know is true for I am a living witness!

Peace and blessings!
Evie

Whatever happened to respect???

Maybe I keep hoping for too much... During President Obama's speech last night, the Congressman from South Carolina yelled out "You Lie"... what happened to respect, civility? I mean he is the President of the United States! Not only was the comment rude, he was also incorrect. He apologized because his party asked him to, not because of personal regret, shame or even embarrassment. Why is it that people do their deed, and then ask for forgiveness? If you feel that way, at least have the guts to stand by your stupidity!

People opted to keep their children from hearing the Presidents speech to students, a message encouraging them to stay in school. A message some kids may never hear from their own parents.

In some Texas schools, they didn't even air the speech - but in 2 weeks, that same school system is allowing students to attend a sports event during school hours??? Are you kidding me?

Is this blatant racism cloaked in political sheep's clothing? If the country doesn't demand respect for the President - we have a serious problem! How many times have I heard newscasters refer to President Obama as just "Obama"? This country is in serious trouble, and racism still runs deep in this country. Republicans would rather kill the message than admit any responsibility for the mess we are in. They are the same ones now asking President Obama to bring the troops home. WTH??? Let's not forget who did the bait and switch in the first place by sending troops to Afghanistan - and sometime during the night...we were in Iraq?! Oil companies were counting their money, CEO's were greedily running their companies into the ground, corporations were outsourcing American jobs to India, banks were steadily making mortgages they knew the homeowners couldn't afford. Those same homeowners would one day realize they couldn't afford their mortgages when the rate finally settled into double digits, but somehow they still get blamed instead of the banks making the shady deals! Yet, when President Obama tries to do the right thing by helping those that need health care the most, he is ignored - people openly checking their BlackBerry's, and then called a liar by a Congressman during his address! Wow...what a sad commentary.

Oh my goodness, I could go on and on, but I won't. We need to hold President Obama up in prayer. I pray for his mind, his safety and the courage to keep doing what is right for this country even in the face of adversity, criticism and blatant racism. We need to pray.

Peace and Blessings!
Evie