feelin' groovey

It has been a GREAT weekend. I haven't had what I've considered to be a GREAT weekend in a long long time. I attribute this to a couple things a sense of re-gaining some control over my health from a cooking class, a wonderful Sabbath at church, and fabulous friends & family! – Thus leading to my on going 'OH MY GOD I HAVE CANCER' shock finally wearing off.

The shock wearing off may have to do with my renewed sense of having some control over my health that I gained in a cooking class sponsored by The Cancer Project I went to on Saturday. Foods play a big part in how our bodies run (duh), and certain foods play a BIG part in growing and preventing cancer. What I eat is what I choose to bathe my cells in-- and high fat & sugary foods are cancer feeders. The Cancer Project advocates a vegan lifestyle for individuals who are concerned about getting, have, or are survivors of cancer. (Disclaimer-- yeah, I know this ain't for everyone). A knowledgeable chef / breast cancer survivor lead the class, and then made some really yummy food. While the class was relatively short, I came away realizing that what I eat is the # 1 thing I can do to help my body during treatment, and keep me out of chemo lounges in the future. (I know I can't do justice to the class- a link to their website is on the side bar, I encourage you to check it out).

In un-cancer related stuff Sunday was just a great day! I went to church, and for the first time in a LONG time felt really inspired, hopeful, and uplifted. I then spent the afternoon with old friends, and the evening at discussing one of my favorite books with the congregation's book club. I'll be the first to admit that I have a love / hate relationship with the church, but I have to say that the congregation of 1st United Methodist Arlington Heights has been a wonderful community to be a part of. After my ministry experiences, it's great to nurtured and cared for by this congregation. Perhaps I never really expected much from this church, therefore making me pretty easy to impress at this point. Or perhaps (and more like it I suspect) God's miraculous work has always been to bring the right people (and van wrecks) into one's life at the exact right time. My entire experience of cancer has been deeply rooted in this church, and I'm very grateful for that.

I have a renewed gratitude for my friends this week! This has been a perspective changing journey, one in which the truest of colors of all who I hold dear have been revealed. I am learning who my real friends are in this experience, and what it means to be a real friend. While I may not say it enough-- thank you! It’s these friendships that sustain me & fill me with joy in a not too joyful time. On the flip side I feel disappointed in a long time friend, who may or may not realize that he/she isn't being a good friend. Elements of that revelation have been disappointing, but for the majority I am blessed by the remarkable friends and family who accompany me.