Party on...

Things happen.  Some of the things are good and some of them are bad.  But, sometimes the bad turns into good.  You know what I mean?  I am going to try to explain.  The hosts of the party were Katie Jo and Mike.  Last spring, the world was turned upside down by a lump, surgery and a diagnosis of breast cancer.  The war started and it was time to mobilize and fight with her.  Food was made and delivered, prayers were screamed to God for healing and love was in the air...all summer.  Her hair fell out, she had terrible headaches, body aches and numbness but didn't utter a word of complaint.  Not a word...none, atleast to those that weren't in her house.  Through the whole thing, we talked about a party...the end of the cancer celebration...to get back to life. 

The celebration party was  Sunday.  Sure things are still not back to normal...but what is normal anyway?  Who is normal?  Do you know anyone who is?  I  have an idea of what I think is normal but I don't know a soul who is what I think.

There was a band, food and drink.  There were adults, kids and various dogs and cats.  People came from every aspect of KJ's life and were there to celebrate.  There was hugging and kissing...pure joy of health and being on the road to the next chapter.

She made it...through the summer of chemo, the exhaustion and worry.  I'm not suggesting that it is over because I know that when you have a cancer diagnosis, there will be worry in the back of your mind.  I also know that KJ will not be the only one of us to fight the fight...just read the statistics.  But, she was the first.  The first of the pre-school moms that now have college kids and the one to set the bar on how to behave.

Grace, peace and power is what I saw through this battle.  A quiet strength that was evident in her every move.  Sure, she will say that she just did what she had to do...and she did.  But, she and Mike also showed a community what love is, what sacrifice is and what being there for your family is.  The example of how to care for one that you love. 

I am sure the journey was hard and will still take some getting used to.  The fear will subside and things will be right again.  KJ...you will be hiking, cross country skiing and tele skiing this winter with the energy of a teenager...just like before the big C...but, my guess is, you'll be sporting a cool looking new hair do!

I love you both and it is was an honor to be in the fight...and thanks for the celebration part...the margaritas and the company was excellent!

We'll tawk tommorrow,
I love you all,
Terry