Lucky Girl

Sometimes I think I'm the luckiest girl in the world.

I know that sounds strange on a cancer blog and especially in contrast to my last couple of posts. However, I have so many wonderful people in my life. I feel so loved every single day. There's no possible way I could even list every person whose helped me through.

For starters, Eric takes such good care of me when we're together and when we're not. He's so understanding and wonderfully generous. I couldn't ask for a better partner in crime. Eric always can make me laugh - or at least stop crying. His family (both immediate and extended) is so kind and caring. I'm so lucky to spend the rest of my life getting to know them. His mother is the sweetest and most thoughtful.

My family makes me feel so lucky. Of course my mother and father are supportive as I've mentioned before. What I don't think I've mentioned enough is how much my sister, Lisa, and brother, Jacob, carry me through on the bad days. They're always around to listen to my complaints, make me laugh, and provide me with the one thing I'm clearly lacking: perspective. My sister despite being 3000 miles and a couple of time zones away always, and I mean pretty much always answers my calls - regardless of how loud her kids are screaming, what she's doing, or if she's at work seeing patients. She always, always makes me smile. Jacob is unequivocally the most thoughtful person I know - he literally said to me the other day that he's upset because he couldn't think of enough ways to help me through chemo. Jacob, News Flash: you are awesome and do a ton for me. There's not one request that I've asked him to do that he has said no to - and I ask for a lot of help. Every girl should be so lucky to have siblings as awesome as mine.

My cousins are awesome. Dale and Diana dropped everything on like 15 minutes notice when we surprised them with a visit. I'm so excited for Diana to make my wedding cake! and Dale never ceases to amaze me with her speed of response to my every illogically posting. My cousin Enna comes to visit me in the hospital often and even though I don't need them, brings me fabulous treats that I love.

My second mother, Diane, is one of the most selfless people I've ever met. I hope she knows how much she means to my mom and I. I'm pretty sure when she moves to Denver (aka one of the saddest days ever) that it will take multiple people working overtime to fill the hole.

I cannot even begin to describe the outpouring of love I feel from my friends. And no one would believe me if I tried. I get amazingly thoughtful care packages from my sorority sisters, Darden, college and high school friends, family friends and coworkers. I love and read every card, email, and Facebook message. Please don't think the lack of speedy ( if at all :-|) response doesn't mean that I'm not truly touched. It would seriously be near impossible to respond to everyone. Just to name a few, thank you Becca, Culp, Sylvia, Laura, Antonio, Hawkins, Hartman, Sue, Jackie, Oren (for the awesome Facebook message), and Mrs. Schilling.The list goes on and on. No way I could even list everyone. Not a day goes by that I don't get a phone call or card from someone unexpected. I love you guys.

My bridesmaids put up with me sending the most random and sporadic emails. Anyone who has gotten married knows that picking bridesmaids can be very stressful. However, I'm so happy with my choices. I'm so lucky to have Kelly and Stephanie in my life.

The most unexpected part of being sick is how kind strangers are. I've been annoyed that thus far I've done all my treatments in-patient in the hospital. Having roommates would normally annoy me and any other normal person, but I've been so lucky to meet the nicest people in the hospital. Complaining about cancer and sharing treatment horror stories I think forms a bond. The hospital staff is so friendly, including the meal chick, the techs, the nurses, the admin staff.

If it wasn't for cancer I wouldn't know how strong my support network is. I wouldn't know how loved I am. It's really a gift on most days and I know I'm a very very lucky girl. Even if there aren't pain meds strong enough to make me feel better, I'm still so full of love that today that the pain didn't matter.

P.S. I love you mom. You're my bestie.