Happy Anniversary to Me!

Ten years ago today I was in a hospital bed wondering if I would have a future.  They had brought me into the hospital in an ambulance after having bouts of excruciating stomach pain.  I had been having such issues for six months prior.  Now the doctors were ordering  a litany of tests:  X-Rays, CT scan, high resolution radioactive dyes, and the like.  Finally, they discovered something in my intestine.  Not sure what it was, I was visited by many different specialists with lots of theories.  Eventually, they ended up operating on me, removing some four feet of my intestines.  They discovered a 'mass,' non-cancerous that had grown in the intestine.  Recovery was difficult but I got myself back on my feet.  Needless to say, my family and friends feared for my life.  Somehow, I knew in my heart I wasn't going to die.  Still, it made for much introspection and reflection on what was important to me in my life.

What did I learn?

• My family is precious to me.  This moment can only happen once, right now.  A year from now, I and my children will be a year older.  For me, that might not be much of a difference, but for them it is a significant percentage of their current lives.  Who is to say what how some seed planted in a conversation today will grow over time?  I have cherished my time with Ethan and Eli as they were young boys, with Cub Scouts, traveling to various places and exploring the experiences, and just talking about stuff.  I've gotten to experience watching a very active little girl grow and learn.  I have gotten to share everything with my best friend and constant companion, Stacey.  
• My friendships are important to me as well.  A great soup is not made by any one ingredient.  It unique taste comes from the blend of all the different ingredients.  Life is made such by the people in it.  What's even better is that the flavor and influence lasts over time.  I have been blessed by those souls who have entered and exited my life. 
•  I do not control my own destiny.  When a door opens, I MAY get to choose to enter or not, but I don't get to choose the doors.  I will trust God to do that part for me.
• Lastly, I cannot kill yourself stressing over the problems.  There is some school of thought that the mass grew as a result of stress.  I was under considerable stress from my job at that time.  I also tend to clench my stomach when I am stressed.  I must hand my worries off to God for I really can do little about them.  I'm still working on this one.

Happy anniversary to me.  I'm still kicking.  I will continue to try to make a difference.and cherish the gifts I have been given!