it's about making the most of your life...

When people send me mass emails, asking to pass it along to 5 women, 20 people, 50 goats, etc., I read the message, take it to heart and then delete. Occasionally I'll pass it along to a couple of people.

I know a lot of you have probably seen this already. And I know a lot of men will read this. It's for you too because I think we've all been touched by someone who has either struggled and lost, or fought and won, the fight again any type of cancer.

I see so many people rushing around, so busy with work and no enjoying life, or so busy taking care of "stuff" that they forget the really important things ... relationships. So I only ask that you read this and take from it what you will. But know that I am posting this because this is how I think everyone should live their life....


"Passing the Purple Hat to You IN honor of women's history month and in memory of Erma Bombeck who lost her fight with cancer.

IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER - by Erma Bombeck (written after she found out she was dying from cancer). I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day. I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage. I would have talked less and listened more. I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded. I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace. I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth. I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband. I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed. I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains. I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life. I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime. Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle. When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, 'Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.' There would have been more 'I love you's' More 'I'm sorry's.' But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute.look at it and really see it . . live it and never give it back. STOP SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF!!! Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us.
If you don't mind, send this on to all the women you are grateful to have as friends.
Maybe we should all grab that purple hat earlier."

on a serious note

ok ... so I usually blather on about what I've been up to lately, my struggles, triumphs, etc. I so appreciate the encouragement ... you have no idea. And while yes, I had a great day, today's not about me. It's about something a whole lot more important ... and I think it's a really good thing this isn't a video blog....

I'm sure most if not all of you have heard that Patrick Swayze died of pancreatic cancer the other day. From what I've read of him, he was an amazing human being. Apparently he was diagnosed just about the same time he started shooting A&E's "The Beast". And despite brutal days among chemotherapy, he opted not to use drugs. He wanted to be sharp and on top of his game. I cannot fathom the grit that took. And for someone is "Hollywood" to remain married to the same person for 34 years ... and they were only 23 when they got married ... is almost beyond comprehension.

Pancreatic cancer is one brutal illness. My dad was diagnosed with a carcinoid (cancer-like) tumour not too long before I got married. Of course my brother sat me down and we had "the talk" that Dad probably wouldn't be around to walk me down the aisle, or at least wouldn't be able to. Well, my Dad was a tough old army guy during the Second World War (drill sargeant to boot) and he never went to radiation or chemotherapy. But 10 years later, after 1, 2 then 3 stents in his pancreas to keep things moving around the tumor, he finally passed. It's hard to believe that will be 8 years ago in November. It was a long, painful, difficult disease and one which I wish no one else else would have to go through. We almost lost him a few times, but he kept bouncing back. Until Friday, September 14, 2001 (THAT was the week from hell given that I also worked in commercial real estate and property management). That was the beginning of the end. We didn't lose him then but he didn't bounce back this time. He got progressively weaker, we had to get a hospital bed for him, personal support worker daily, a nurse and doctor once a week. When they weren't around, guess who got to change his diaper??? Yes, I was the lucky one. Of course I tried to leave him with some dignity but that wasn't going to work so the silly bugger's response was "don't laugh ...." THAT was my Dad. I miss him very much but I was so lucky to have him as long as I did. He almost made it to 80. But he couldn't do it. And he was one of the youngest in his family to die so I'm hoping I've got the Price longevity....

So I guess the moral of this story is to take care of yourself. Appreciate life. Don't take others for granted. And if you don't like something in your life ... change it. The change may not be able to happen overnight, but don't settle for drudgery and misery. Whether it's a job or a bad marriage or being overweight and feeling really down on yourself, pick yourself up, get as much support as you need, 'cause there's always support if you look for it, and make your life as great as it's supposed to be. We haven't been put on this earth to just coast or exist. We need to make a mark on life. In whatever way that may be for each of us.

I think that's it for now ... don't forget to eat your fruits and veggies ... very important.....LOL