The Story of Two Mugs

About two years ago, at my bridal shower, I opened up this gift from my friend and bridesmaid Colleen:

My first thoughts were (obviously) "Aaawww I'm Colleen's hero."  Instead I heard her say, "That one's for Mike, the next one is for you."

Princess?  Me?  Surely not. I'm not damsel in distress, I pay my own bills, have my own job, and survived 30 years up to that point quite well.  Independence and strength were two qualities I valued in myself.  But these were just coffee mugs so for the sake of the shower, I played along.  

Our marriage would be a partnership, 50/50, equal. Then, just months before our first anniversary I'd learn the important, humbling lesson of letting people take care me. I had many caretakers this past year, but today I celebrate Mike.

Looking back today, on the 2nd Anniversary of our marriage, I can unequivocally say that Colleen was right, Mike is the hero and I'm the princess.  I get a lot of attention for being the cancer survivor, the patient, the one in need.  But cancer and other major illnesses don't just happen to the patient.  They happen to the caregivers too.  I don't know what its like to sit in a waiting room for hours at a time, waiting for surgeons, nurses, anyone to come out and give a status on a loved one.   I don't know what its like to be the next of kin that gets told they found something abnormal and need permission to take a body part of the one I love.  I couldn't see the color drain from my face or my eyes become dull during chemotherapy.  No one questioned my need for time off or my lack of motivation to leave the house or felt I needed permission to get sick.

So today is a celebration of of this mug...the one I get to lookat for the rest of my life.

Healthy Sunday: Ovarian Cancer 5K Team Kelly - Picture Time!!!

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Sunday September 15th, an incrediable group of people got together to run or walk to raise awareness and research money for Ovarian Cancer.  I feel so special and amazed that they all came together as a team for me.  My family was there, as were some of my best friends and their families and their friends.  It truly shows how cancer affects everyone.  To think that it wasn't just my friends and family, but their friends and family as well that were praying for me, cheering me on and supporting the ones I love was incrediable to see first hand.  Wearing our Team Kelly shirts, we walked, ran and laughed our way through the day.   

The day started at Albany's Washington Park where we ran into my oncologist and nurse practitioner, got to see all of the other awesome teams as well as teal swag, information tables and crafts. 

There aren't a lot of people who hang out in the 13 minute  mile zone, but my friends Thom and Joe ran alongside me      keeping time for me and cheering me on.  We finished in about 38 minutes which was good for me but very slow for them.  I totally love them for that. 

Afterward we went to Starbucks and then Across the Street Pub and I got to hang out and bask in the awesomeness of these incrediable people. We talked and laugh and at the end of it all left feeling satisfied, accomplished and loved.  

Peace and All Good

It's Friday October 4th, the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi.  It is amazing how the simple life of a man born into wealth in 1182 and died in 1226 as a simple, humble servant has had a profound impact on so many lives. I once heard that he is 2nd place to Jesus in the most books written about a person in the Library of Congress.  He has certainly had a profound impact on my life and can serve as a reminder to all of us during these times when hatred, injury, despair, darkness and sadness abound.  In a time where our Congress is seeking to be consoled, understood, and loved rather than consoling, understanding, and loving the people they were elected to serve.  In a time when violence and shootings are every day headlines and the solutions to the problems divide us more than the problems themselves. Rather than loving our neighbors we lock our doors and pull the blinds.  We can go all day without a real life kind word because we are all looking at our screens.  We both glorify being busy and complain about it.  Our lives spin past us quickly and out of control.  We long for contentment, intention, and inner peace.  We think we can schedule, plan and buy it for ourselves.  Saint Francis of Assisi reminds us of many things, but today, I choose to slow down and focus on just one: Peace.  Peace of mind, peace of heart, peace of spirit.  Peace for my neighbors, my family and friends, and our world.  Take a minute to read and reflect on the Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi.  Remember to pardon, love and console.  Begin by pardoning, loving and consoling yourself.