My definition of strength

Well as some people know better than others, life is full of ups and downs-trials and miracles, heartache and pain. I am a firm believer that character is defined during the hard times in life and I continue to stand in amazement as my cousin Jennifer stands by her husbands side, Chris, as he battles with cancer. I know it is tacky to openly display people's personal lives-but I feel there is so much that people can learn from their journey through this past year. It has made me take a step back and appreciate the things that I do have and realize the strength that I don't have.

(so forgive me Jen-but I know that prayers are needed and hope that people will be touched as I have been!)

This is a recent post from her blog-and I couldn't put it in my own words so I thought I would paste parts of it over.

Tomorrow is the first anniversary of Chris having surgery to remove part of his brain tumor. (He was diagnosed with cancer on Sept. 14 last year and had surgery on the 18th). Poor Kim had to spend her birthday last year in the waiting room at the hospital while we waited for Chris's surgery to finish...and then she didn't even get to see him because they put him in the ICU and would only allow immediate family to see him (so no in-laws). What a great sister to spend her birthday supporting Chris and I! Here's to hoping you'll get to do something a lot more fun this year Kim. It's hard to believe that it's been a year since Chris's cancer diagnosis. Forgive me while I blog AGAIN about our journey through cancer. This milestone is sort of bittersweet for me. Sweet because it is a miracle that he has survived a year...and on the other hand bitter because really there's no end in sight. Ahh, if I only had a date or something to say, "By this time he will be better and we won't have to endure anymore treatments." But that's not the case. Maybe I haven't learned all I am supposed to learn from this small trial :). I thought I'd take a trip down memory lane to commemorate our year.

In the past year: (WARNING-- LONG POST)- Chris has had 2 surgeries- one on his brain to remove part of a malignant glioblastoma and another a week later to remove a benign tumor from his spinal cord.-Chris has endured 6 weeks of radiation to his brain- waking up every morning M-F to go to radiation, and then going to work afterwards. I think he must be part Superman!-Chris has endured a year of chemo so far...more still to come!-We have driven to Salt Lake many, many, many times. So many, in fact, that our car knows its own way there.-We have submitted more than half a million dollars in claims to our insurance company. Cancer is expensive!-We have received more bills and explanantions of benefits from our insurance company in the mail than I hope any of you receive in the next 10 years.- We have cried a lot (OK...I've cried a lot) and we've both laughed a lot.-We have learned to appreciate the little things in life- an "I love you", Chris being able to tie his shoes with one hand, spending time together even if we're doing absolutely nothing, etc.-I've had to learn to accept help from others. People have brought in meals, our ward repainted our living room while Chris had his surgeries, a man in our ward stained our fence, many people have helped Chris get to Elder's Quorum at church, we've had lots of help with our garden, our wonderful neighbor boy has taken care of our lawn while we're out of town for treatments and won't let us pay him....and there's so many more examples.-Chris has driven ONCE this whole year. Shhh...don't tell his doctor. I have become the designated driver ALWAYS.-We've watched as the cancer has gradually cost Chris most of the use of his right arm and right leg. And then I've watched as Chris has learned to do everything with his left hand (he was previously right handed.)-We have taken the journey of going through fertility treatments and are expecting our first child. Some people would call us nuts to want a child with so much going on...but let them think what they want.-We've found incredible comfort in our Patriarchal blessings.-Chris has graduated from physical therapy!-We've had our faith tried in more ways than we can count, but wouldn't trade it for anything.-We've learned greater sympathy for others.-We've met lots of other people battling cancer who have inspired us.-We've benefited from some of the best cancer care available in the world. Chris's doctor has been a miracle for us.-I finished my last year of pharmacy school amidst all this going on, graduated, and passed my boards. It was a rough year, but I made it!-Last, but not least, we've learned to appreciate each other and life so much more. And, if you care to hear what my advice would be after surviving one year of cancer- here it is:-If you have headaches, go to the doctor.-Always, always, have health insurance. You never know what might happen.-Get all the education that you can. You never know when your husband might not be able to work and you might have to support your family. Thanks for all of your love, support and prayers on our behalf. We really appreciate it. Happy birthday Kimbo and way to be a fighter Superman Chris!! You're my hero and my inspiration. I LOVE YOU!