I know you might find this hard to believe but I am thankful for cancer. Why? you ask?? For a number of reasons. First, let me give you a little background. My husband was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2000. Two days later he went into respiratory arrest and was deemed "dead" by a few of the doctors in the room. I was there at his side. I remember being so frightened at the thought of losing him but what an intimate moment to be there when a precious loved one leaves from this earth to the waiting arms of God. It was actually quite peaceful. God, in His infinite and unquestionable wisdom chose to allow my husband to stay here with us. I was 5 months pregnant with our daughter at the time and was so very thankful that her daddy was going to have the chance to get to know her. What a precious gift!
   
   But it doesn't end there. No, that is only the beginning! That terrifying yet wonderful experience taught us so many things! Lessons that take some people years or a lifetime to learn if they ever learn them at all. We learned that all of those seemingly "huge" worries and problems in life are nothing. They're nothing! So we have bills that we can't pay? God will bring us through it. Our children are all sick or have been fighting like cats and dogs all day? God will bring us through it! The car breaks down, the toilets back up and your cat was just run over by a car? God will bring us through it! We have learned not to take one moment for granted. Not a single one. Our lives here on this earth are so very fragile. They could end at any moment and each and every moment, good or bad is such a very precious gift from God. It truly is. Even the little things about James that used to drive me insane are nothing to me now. In fact I see them as a blessing and a reminder that he's still here with me! Every moment is a gift.

   There have been the many blessings of family and friends who have been so supportive during this time. There were people who we never really knew very well who called and sent cards and prayed for us. That's another huge blessing. Prayer. During the darkest times God was always there. He always sent that incredible peace that passes understanding. I look back to that day in the hospital when my husband almost passed away and I think "How did I ever get through that?!?" I did because God was there. He was right there with us the the whole time. I felt his presence and His peace. He has always been so faithful.

   Cancer can be a cruel thing yes it's true, but it can also be a blessing in disguise if you take from it the lessons it gives you. I think everything in life is that way. The loss of a loved one, a terminal illness even a head cold! James and I have a lot of battles to fight but we'll fight them together by God's grace and through His perfect plan for our lives. I don't know what the future holds for us but do you know what? I'm OK with that! God is in control, each day is a blessing and each moment is a gift that I will treasure the rest of my life.