Since my brain cancer, I’ve been able to return to life as I once knew it, but it will never be the same. I’ve returned to work, I got off of disability, I can drive a car, walk and talk, reason. I have met countless victims of the same or similar disease. Many of them have succumb to their cancer. Many of them never were fortunate enough to return to “normal.”

I’ve often wondered why I have survived so long (Nine years and counting). I certainly wouldn’t say I am stronger than any of my friends with this disease. They are and were every bit as strong as I am. Sometimes I search for a purpose in this life. Why am I still here? We all have a purpose, so why were my friends taken and I wasn’t? Many of them have young children. I do not.

I’ve noticed since my diagnosis and treatment that it is very difficult for me to be around negativity. But the best thing about being an adult is that we get to chose what we surround ourselves with. I never say I “have” to do anything. I “get” to do everything. A job is no longer just a job. I genuinely care about what I’m doing. I truly hope this never wears off. It is a delightful perspective.

Life is short, but love is long. Be kind to one another.