Life Is for Living

I know this is easier said than done, but don’t let a terminal diagnosis such as glioblastoma (GBM) get you down to the point where you stop living your life. Have an adventure, buy the shoes and eat the cake.

About three months after my surgery (part of my treatment for GBM) my husband did a substantial amount of research and found a magnificent resort in Clearwater Beach. He knew the beach was good for my soul. The wind in my hair (what little I had at the time), the sand on my feet and the sounds of the ocean. He also knew that after my surgery I did not need to be outside in the sun and Florida heat. This particular resort had hammocks to relax in, live entertainment and s’mores out by the beach in the evening. He reserved us a beautiful suite overlooking the ocean. I was able to go there to relax and rejuvenate. I was still able to get out there and have a vacation; I just had to make a few simple changes.

In the past six years we have taken numerous vacations. I always listen to my body and rest when it tells me to rest. I can’t stay up late anymore; I don’t drink wine anymore (because of medications); I need at least an hour’s rest every day. As long as you listen to your body, you too can still enjoy the simple pleasures.

Last year, I turned 50 years old. I decided that I wanted to have a weekend away with my high school girlfriends (who still know how to party). I was able to go to the beach with them (as long as I stayed under an umbrella), sit at the pool with them (as long as I was in the shade) and still enjoy the laughter and giggles. There is something to be said about high school girlfriends. Although you haven’t seen them in years, you just go back in time to where you once were. I still had a rest every day and was in bed long before they came back to the room. I was still able to enjoy quality time with lifetime girlfriends; I just had to make a few changes to work with my health issues.

The Bible says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” -Matthew 11:28

Those of you that know me, know that I have always go through life at 90 miles an hour… more is more. It has been a difficult mental transition of learning to listen to my body since I received my diagnosis of glioblastoma. Rest allows your mind, body and soul to renew and allows you to have more strength and focus.

Mark 6:31 says, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

The point I am trying to make is, no matter your circumstances, live your life to the fullest because you don’t know what tomorrow will bring. Don’t think that because you have health issues you can’t do it. You can! You may just have to change up a few things.

Get out there and enjoy the gift that God gave you and let God’s promises shine on your problems!