I’ve started a 2020 election blog post about 4 times over the last few weeks. I felt like I wanted to say something, but I couldn’t say everything that was bouncing around in my brain. I know I am way more political than most and I don’t want to be polarizing. I also couldn’t let this election go by without a reflection on this tumultuous season.
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It is the month of October and everything is pink. This is when we are supposed to make sure everyone is aware of breast cancer or something. After my own breast cancer journey in 2015 I felt like I had closed that chapter. And now, having “graduated” after 5 years cancer free, I don’t want to walk around with pink ribbons and clever breast cancer t-shirts. That was so 5 years ago! But I do acknowledge the impact that season had on my life and the sense of responsibility I feel to make sure that we are all taking care of our health. I have learned the importance of sharing my story so I encourage you to read through the “Hogblogger Archives” to see how our family navigated that season. It was hard and often not pretty, but God is faithful and good. I am oddly thankful for that time and how it solidified my relationship with Jesus.
Maybe it is ok to read back through old chapters…
Today is the day I have anticipated for FIVE years. Today I finally “graduated” from cancer. Sure, it will always be part of my story… but now that I have remained cancer-free for five years, it no longer gets to be a part of my daily life and I no longer have to check in with my oncologist every August. He’s a nice man and I hope to see him around town, just not in his office with the reminder that I’m still within that window of recurrence… not that there is anything magical about five years. There is always that possibility… but we don’t dwell on that.
This journey has been hard (feel free to read about 2015 in the archives) but the hard places are where you learn and grow, and I have learned some things…
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My favorite season of the year is summer and the end of summer usually makes me sad. But one thing gets me very excited this time of year, our church’s “21 Days of Prayer & Fasting.” I know it might sound kooky to some, but this semi-annual event is my favorite and has been life-changing for me… here’s why.
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Well, hello again! Since 2016 I’ve been saying I’m going to start writing again. However, life has a way of happening and, next thing you know, it is 2020 and the only thing I’ve written since 2016 are HR policies for my job. Now we are in the middle of the craziest season in the history of ever and I find myself with nothing but time and, well, thoughts… a lot of them bouncing around in my brain and it is time to get them out.
Fair warning… this is not a place for the easily offended. This is a place where ideas are bounced and “what-if’s” are entertained. My brain is a place of diversity and dreams and wonder. I’m not always right, even when I’m sure I am. I am honest, though, and sometimes people don’t like that. In this world of “Karens” and thought police, I want this space to be one of free exchange. Drop a comment and feel free to share with your own commentary. I only ask for respectful dialog and that the language remains PG.
Stay tuned for thoughts on: The Enneagram, Back-to-School?, Lyme Disease, Church in 2020 America, Homeschooling, Politics… to name a few. In the mean time, feel free to look back at the nostalgia posts from the “Hogblogger” days.
© Elizabeth Smith 2020
I’m Baaaack! I want to apologize for going so long without a blog post. I have had to ration my energy and the blog fell down a few notches on my priority list. I do feel guilty when I run into y’all in the halls at school or at church or the grocery store. I am often asked about the blog and when I will post an update. You have all be so faithful with your prayers over these challenging months and I am grateful.
Just to get you up to speed… Continue reading
It’s been 3 weeks since my 2nd surgery and I apologize if I haven’t had much to say. I tend to be quieter when I have a lot to process. In the last 3 weeks I learned that surgery #2 also failed to produce negative margins (that means the cancer is still there). I learned that there appears to be disease in the breast that cannot be detected on a mammogram or MRI. This has left me in a tough spot of decision making. Continue reading
Pre-op Selfie
I want to, once again, thank all of you who have been praying for me. I am humbled and amazed at the outpouring of love and kindness from my community of friends. It has been five days since my surgery and I am feeling a lot better than I thought I would at this point. My recovery has been uneventful and relatively pain free.
The Good News Continue reading
My Josie is a pro at creating FUN!
Fun is a choice
When I chose the word “FUN” for 2015, I knew that reality can sometimes obscure fun. I knew there would be times when fun would have to be a conscious choice. I would have to choose to look on the bright side, choose an attitude of joy, choose to create fun in difficult circumstances. Well that is exactly where I find myself today only 4 months into my year of FUN.
Happy Birthday! You have cancer. Continue reading
Our kitchen project progressed at lightning speed thanks to Alison, our awesome project manager at Kevin Jones Design Build. As soon as the cabinets were installed the work picked up and, before we knew it, the big dumpster on the driveway was gone and we were done! We have the heart of our home back and I am excited to finally get settled 6 months after moving in. Now for the reveal… Continue reading
Thoughts... 