"Stars can't shine without darkness"
Without the headache, nausea, and body aches that kept me in bed for the last three days feeling like a half mangled zombie, how would I truly be able to appreciate how amazing it feels to be human again?
Without having to endure the preteen/teenage grumpy attitudes that occasionally invade our home, how would I ever truly appreciate how amazingly respectful, supporting, and loving my two sweet boys are most of the time?
Without my pathetically deflated temporary tissue expander that has made me very lopsided as of recent, how would I ever fully appreciate my usual evenness?
Without all those horrible excuses for men that I attempted to date these past few years, how would I ever truly appreciate the real man who continues to show me what true love is?
Looking back at my 2013, I think it's pretty safe to say that it's been my most challenging year yet. Not only physically, but even more so emotionally. Hearing "It's cancer, Kayte." will be words I will never forget. I was sitting up in my bed, staring out my sunny window in pure disbelief, yet already sobbing and heartbroken, mourning the sudden loss of my always inviolable health. Now, more than four months later, after a double mastectomy and only one session short of completing my chemotherapy, and I still have a smile on my face. My life is still amazing and I have so much to be grateful for, mostly because of the people surrounding me in life, who continue to provide the very best support and love imaginable. I am one lucky girl. Even with them, I'm sure it could have been pretty easy to let myself be depressed and feel sorry for myself. But I refuse to do so. It definitely is all about your attitude. I can't wait for 2014 and the new and exciting adventures it will bring! And if, perhaps, I happen to find myself in a moment of darkness here or there along the way, I will just lay back and look for those shining stars!
Simi Valley, CA
