There is life after cancer treatment!!!

I feel like I am getting more strength and energy back everyday! I've been trying to work out in some form every other day, and take rest days in between. I am so thankful to be alive and to be able to move forward with life. But I also realize I will never be the same. I took two weeks to rest and recover before I will be returning to work full-time on Monday. In this time, I have made several trips to the beaches about 20 minutes south of us, away from all the cars, houses, and people. What amazing beauty and what a great place to reflect on the past year and praise God for all He's done! I don't know how anyone can watch the ocean and deny the existence of a powerful Creator. The wind was blowing so hard off the coast today that I could hardly breathe facing into it (I did not really stay on the beach very long, lol). And I was watching the waves in all of their fury and thinking about the awesome power of God and the amazing fact that He loves us! We can trust Him with our lives.

I am having a hard time putting into words what I am feeling right now. Sometimes I thought this day would never come, and now it did. And the actual day of my last treatment was somewhat anti-climactic, as I was still exhausted and not feeling the best. I called my best friend from high school and told her I thought I was supposed to be excited but I didn't know why I wanted to cry and she said, "It's ok, Christie, you don't have to feel anything" (that's what best friends are for =) But, every day since that I have felt better as the realization that I am completely done and I don't have to go back for more treatment sinks in even deeper. And I am excited to go back to work - if only for the reason that it means that life is truly moving on and I am putting this whole experience behind me in a way. In another way, I don't think I will ever completely leave it behind because it has changed me - my goals and dreams, my outlook on life, my understanding of what's important, and my faith in God. And, for this reason, I am thankful for my cancer.

Thank you for all your loving support and prayers. Please know that whatever you are facing today, you can give it to God. The God who created the wind and the waves to move at His command is powerful enough to handle all your worries!!

Sometimes He calms the storm,
With a whispered "peace be still",
He can settle any sea,
But it doesn't mean He will.
Sometimes He holds us close,
And lets the wind and waves go wild,
Sometime He calms the storm,
And other times He calms His child.

(chorus of song by Scott Krippayne)

Celebrating Life!!!

I am finished with treatment!!! I will write more later, but I wanted to let everybody know!!! I am celebrating life. I bought a new book today, enjoyed a leisurely coffee, did a little shopping, took a nap, and went for a walk and dinner in Half Moon Bay with a girlfriend. Ry gets home from Alabama in about an hour, so we can finally celebrate together!!! Praise God!!!

It was great to have my mom here yesterday when I finished - she took me out for a great lunch and then we had an "Office" marathon - she had to see Jim and Pam get back together before she left, I got her totally addicted =). I love you, mom!!!!