...before I am officially past my statistical expiration date!
I was really careful today, making sure my seatbelt was fastened when I drove, and chewing my food very carefully before I swallowed! I'm not a superstitious person, but this date (exactly fourteen months from my cancer diagnosis) was always hanging there in the back of my cancer-riddled mind, like a big cartoon piano waiting to fall on me. Fourteen months was the optomistic end of the prognosis range that I was given.
HA! They were wrong!
One of these days I've got to put on my clogging shoes and dance on what ISN'T my grave!
(Or just dance--because I can!)
I'm not dead. I'm not a vegetable. I'm not wondering who my kids are. I'm not tone-deaf. I'm living and working and singing and dancing and planning trips and birthday parties, and hugging my family and playing Scrabble and looking forward to my first book signing, and enjoying every minute of it all!
This is a good thing. I had to caution myself against believing the statistics about this date. Whenever it would haunt me I would tell myself that it would just be all the more exciting when I pass it by, still going strong. I have heard that some Australian aborigines or members of a certain Kenyan tribe are known for subconsciously willing themselves to die if they believe it is inevitable (like if the "bones" point to them). Sometimes people just die quickly from the shock and despair of a devastating prognosis. And sometimes people are feisty enough to live longer than expected. I was born feisty, so I guess that finally paid off--along with good treatments, a lot of prayer and the good will of God, who has seen fit to let me stay here for now!
9 comments:
OH MY HECK, I hope that you dance till the rain comes pouring down. That is just the most exciting news. How blessed we are to have such a loving HF who wants you to be with your family a little longer. Godbless you xox
Congrats, Krista! I knew you would make M14!
And your not being tone deaf puts you ahead of me -- even before my surgeries.... But I got a chuckle out of me. When I came out of my first surgery my brother was there when the neuro-surgeon came in and Lynn asked if I would be able to play the violin -- I couldn't stop laughing from that tired old joke.
I really don't pay much attention to expiration dates, except when it comes to milk. :-)
I never doubted your ability to make it to your "estimated departure date." Instead, I always thought you would be one of the people to help raise the average.
Keep on living life to it's fullest, as we all should. AND...keep that seatbelt fastened.
Love ya lots,
Jeri
PS Have a wonderful Valentine's Day with your sweetheart.
Huzzah!
I just found your site through Stacy. Good for you, what a nice mile stone to achieve.
I love the way you write, your words just flow.
I am so happy for you! I have been reading your bog since the beginning. I know what you are going through and attitude, prayers, and just living each day to the fullest is the way to go! It is a wonderful milestone!
Hey Krista, I sure miss you and you are still in my prayers everyday. I am so happy for you and the privledge of being your friend. I love you and am so happy you get to celebrate your life with such a wonderful family.
How awesome Krista!!!! I am so happy for you and for the news of your upcoming book. I am too far away to attend a book signing, but hope you would let me mail you my copy for a private signing? You are such an inspiration, and I truly believe HF has much more work for you to do before he brings you home. Like many others, I am grateful for every day I have to know you :)
Krista - I'm so happy for you and everyone who loves you ... and the list is looonnngggggg ... I knew you wouldn't be ruled by "their" numbers ... good for you! Claudia
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