Birthday #32

In about 30 minutes I will turn 32 years old! Some people would be thinking, "wow im getting old" or "how will I celebrate this year" but my thoughts are a bit different. I am thinking, "I made it!" I am looking back and reflecting on what has happened in my life these past few years, how much I have changed....how I survived!

While most people would want to celebrate their "birthday weekend" with friends, family and loved ones I found myself wanting to spend time with myself. You see no one but me was there, can understand or reflect on what this birthday really means to me. So this weekend I spent time making cards for the many cancer patients who are still at Dana Farber and other cancer centers around the world. I thought a lot about what they were going through, what fears and hopes were going through their minds and hearts. I spent much time being thankful and hoping that my cards would help the so many who are still in the midst of their cancer battle.

Here I am three years after my original diagnosis with end stage cervical cancer. I have a whole life ahead of me, a much different life than I had planned prior to my diagnosis. I can't help but wonder, who would I be and what would I be doing had cancer never found its way into my life. Such a dramatic and drastic curve ball thrown my way changed everything and will continue to change who I am for the rest of my life. But the point is... I have my life and I will celebrate that with utmost joy and respect. This gift I was given is one I hold close to my heart. I do my very best to make the best of each day, to help others, to love all those around me.

I welcome this 32nd birthday and look forward to an amazing year filled with helping the many who are still fighting cancer!

13 comments:

KK said...

Happy Birthday and congratulations. Birthdays must be all together different for you now!

Obsessedwithlife said...

Happy Happy Birthday! I know what you mean...our birthdays are by each other. I turned 27 last week :).

Rach

InspiredDreamer said...

May you be blessed as you enjoy your birthday. And just think about all of the people who are going to receive cards because you not only fought cancer but chose to do something to bring joy to others' lives along the way. You rock, Meaghan.

oscarwildette said...

happy birthday, I can totally appreciate where you are coming from... over the past 2 years I have made the most of each day, re prioritised what and who are important to me and now live a life that is 1000 times less stressful and far more meaningful than before my life threatening illness... heres to many more uplifting and joyful birthdays

SoCalWendie said...

Happy Happy Birthday, may all your dreams come true, happy happy bday from all of us to you lol

Marie said...

Wishing you many more years of happy birthdays!

That Bald Chick said...

Happy Birthday. Visiting from SITS, have a great day!
Virginia
http://ladyvdzine.com

Jennifer said...

Happy Birthday! I love how positive you are, it sure puts a whole new perspective on the old "birthday dread" of getting older. Birthdays are a celebration of life and always should be!

devin said...

Congratulations on surviving cancer. My mother is also a cancer survivor. After a close friend of mine passed away from cancer, I started a website called Human Tribe Project to provide financial and emotional support for a loved one facing cancer. Medical bills can really pile up, even with good insurance. The site is easy to use and free to sign up. Tribe Members can leave encouraging words of support in the guestbook and can also purchase Tribe Tags. The tags are personalized, steel charm necklaces with the individual of the beneficiary and can be purchased for $20 with $15 going directly to the individual in need. I share this with you in the hopes that you can pass it along to others in need.

o2bhiking said...

Happy Birthday Meaghan. I hope you have many more happy ones ahead of you. Each one is a celebration of life and of survival. Art

ce_squared said...

I'm a bit late, but it's never too late, right? I hope you had a very happy birthday weekend. And wish you many, many more!

Yo said...

happy birthday, sweet girl!

tikno said...

Happy Birthday to you.