Yesterday marks the six-year anniversary of the day my life began anew. It was April 28, 2011, that I underwent what was to become the first of two surgeries to remove my thyroid. A week following the initial surgery, I learned one of the growths that had been removed was cancerous necessitating, at least in my surgeon's and doctor's opinions, the need to remove my entire thyroid. I was/am fortunate. While I have to take medication daily to replace the hormone my body requires but no longer produces on its own without the thyroid, I am healthy and continue to enjoy my life as I did before the surgery, only with a greater appreciation.
The past six years of my life have not been without challenges, no life is. I've experienced what has sometimes felt like more than my share of disappointments, setbacks, and heartbreaks, but I've also had many amazing experiences. For instance, witnessing my niece and nephew graduate from high school and head to college in the same year, dancing in my first national ballroom competition, winning first-place honors at a national ballroom competition, attending the White House Christmas tour for the first time, taking horseback riding lessons, and being treated to a trip to the lake for my birthday. And I know that many more wonderful adventures await me.
So, today I am choosing to celebrate my life and all that I am grateful for. I am profoundly grateful for this day. I am grateful that I am alive to experience all the wonder and majesty and beauty of this earth and universe. I am grateful that I am now strong and healthy, and getting stronger and healthier every day. I am grateful for my family. I am grateful for friends. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to spend this evening with friends I haven't seen in a while, sharing a meal and much laughter, simply enjoying each other's presence as we celebrated one of our friend's birthing a new person into this world.
Life is a precious gift—the best one you'll ever get. Cherish every moment of it.
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