Happy Leap Year Anniversary

Yesterday was a "red letter" day.  It was filled with all the emotions one could have.  It was on Leap Day 2012, that I was re-diagnosed with Stage IV Breast Cancer.  February 29 hasn't been on the calendar since the day I was sitting in Dr. Faux's medical office in Logan with the news that my x-ray had shown that there were signs of cancer in my bones. We were not expecting that news.  We were told that I had a complete response. Dr. Sinaga ,in Ohio, felt like I would not have a reoccurrence, assuring us that our cancer days were in the past.  Dr. Sinaga was a lovely oncologist and I am thankful that we found her in Ohio. We choose the most aggressive treatments together.  She was supportive and kind as we had our first experience with breast cancer.  As Paul and I were leaving the Logan Hospital in tears, it felt as if our whole world was once again turning upside down.  My first thought was how were my children going to make it through this diagnosis. They had just stopped worrying about me.  This was more serious.  I felt like I was going to break their hearts one by one.

As we got into our car, I immediately called Dr. Buys at the Huntsman.  Her staff asked if I could be at the Huntsman at 2:00.  I, of course said yes.  It was already noon and I hadn't even thought through what we needed to do before we made our way to Salt Lake City.  I called my favorite savvy sister and she gathered my two youngest at their elementary school.  Paul and I went out to the middle schools to get the others.  As soon as they saw their dad in the hallway crying, they knew what was going on.  I had been in so much pain and they knew we were seeing Dr. Faux.  We met savvy sister at our townhouse.  While she made the kids peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, we were grabbing a few necessities. We were on our way to the Huntsman in a matter of  minutes.

I do believe that our van had wings that day. We have never made a more peaceful or faster trip to the Huntsman.  When we got there, a few of my family members were waiting for us so they could be with the kids as Paul and I met with Dr. Buys and a sweet counselor. My mom and dad were there.  My little brother Greg was there with a lot of $1 bills...I was told yesterday.  Apparently, he was buying my children whatever their little hearts desired out of the vending machine.  My brother Alex showed up with his funny jokes.  When Paul and I finally walked out of the office, we were both embraced with hugs and comfort.  We couldn't talk much but knew we were supported and loved.  We spent three days in Salt Lake while my mom and siblings rallied around our family as we developed a new plan of chemotherapy and scans.

Yesterday, I tried to keep busy.  I was thinking about all the miracles our family has seen in the last 4 years.  We have been blessed with so many. As I thought about every gift, my heart felt grateful for what we have been able to experience.  For the many angels who served and continue to serve our family.  For the gift of prayer and faith.  I was holding it all together remembering the good part of our cancer journey.  

As my children came home from school yesterday, I was thankful that I was the one picking them up and greeting them as they walked in the door.  We had another lovely dinner delivered last night.  I was sitting at the table with my children.  We were talking about their memories of the last leap year.  Paul was out feeding the cows and the children and I were  just starting to  eat dinner. I expected Paul to be a little later.  It is calving season.  Many times he is longer than he thinks he will be.  Such needy ladies...(cows).  When Paul walked in and I saw him in his cute carhartt overalls, I started to cry.  I said, "I think I could use another memory of leap year".  He agreed.  He showered all the stink off of him and I got out of sweats. The children got their shoes on and we headed to Five Guys. We talked about how thankful we were as we sat around the table eating our unplanned yummy hamburgers.  There were tears, laughter, and I am happy to say that another sweet memory of leap day was made. 

Our teary family was sitting at the table after our meal was finished.  It was late and we were getting ready to go.  Our two girls and younger boy decided a bathroom visit was necessary.  Our handsome red headed 16-year old boy was sitting with us and got up to get more water. He walked up to the hi-tech Coca-Cola machine.  He pushed the water button..... but out of the corner of his eye, he saw a cute blonde teenage girl.  Needless to say, his water cup was overflowing and he turned red as he walked back to his chair. 

Paul and I smiled at each other and both said, "did you see that"?  We laughed, but my heart was touched and I was again teary with another miracle. A fabulous new memory on a leap year day.  Who would of thought that my 16-year old boy checking out a girl and spilling his water all over would be the miracle I needed last night. It was a reminder to me to continue to be faithful, courageous, and brave.  I am thankful that I was able to witness my tender teenage boy being a normal teenager.  Why wouldn't he like blonde girls?  His dad liked them too ounce upon a time.  I'm sure thankful that he did.  I will always remember the leap year day of four years ago.  I never want to replace that memory.  It was and is a part of our families plan. I just have another memory for that day now that shows me how far my amazing little family has come. I am incredibly thankful for the things we have learned together, the comfort we have been given during the hard times, for the peace we feel, and those who are always there to comfort, bless, and serve us.