Small Wonder

Here is Sara, draped in rosy velvet, wielding the powers of a child's imagination and goodness.

Here is Athena, Greek warrior and goddess, celebrating her victory after battling the great dragon, having hurled its twisted, broken body back to the heavens.

Isn't she lovely?

See the proud dust on her silver and pink sneakers, those steadfast feet that journeyed through darkness, but now walk in the light. I want to bow down on one knee as she passes, this vision of satin and sparkle, strength and valor. Oh, the wisdom of children!

This picture and inspiration is available online at LIVESTRONG's Facebook page. LIVESTRONG, Lance Armstrong's organization, supports and nourishes individuals and families challenged by cancer. Link to LIVESTRONG can be found here under "links."

Cancer: Not a Cure for Anxiety

I spend a lot of time fretting over life's challenges in a non-Zen-like manner, much like I used to do before I heard my cancer diagnosis. I had hoped that I had risen above this madness, that my cancer battle's victory gave me wings to fly over the lowly stresses in life.

In short, I'm having a bad day. But, as a cancer survivor, I know the value of each day and I don't want to waste one. I feel guilty.

Illness reminds us that we are mortal (not winged) beings, here on this green earth for a short time. Cancer threatens to make that short time even shorter.

So why not just kick back and smell the spring flowers?

Well, the damned spring flowers have not yet sprung here in cold country.

There is an expectation that, once having fought the breast cancer battle, women come out stronger than ever, invincible to stress. Priorities are clear, things are not blown out of proportion. Cancer, like a calm lens, keeps our focus.

Nope.

It's the journey, not the disease that brings forth these subtle transformations. The gains and losses made along the way teach us that we are stronger than we know.

I'll go for a walk and read a book, good things that make me happy and make this day count.