Happy List

11 Apr 2013

This is a follow-up to the last post that I wrote. If you would like to read “Peace of Mind” first, please click here.

MY HAPPY LIST:

1. Aiden’s genetics testing results are in and he did not test positive for the gene mutation in question!!

Halleluiah!

If you were sitting next to me right now and I spoke these words to you, I would likely have to say them over and over. I am so insanely excited that my declaration sounds like a jumbled mess spoken at a speed indiscernible to the human ear. This is wonderful news, people. WONDERFUL!

(Insert: music and happy dance.) Whoot! Whoot! Whoot!

-And-

2. I got a job! And it’s in healthcare! For a company that I grew close to while Aiden received treatment!

(Insert: music and happy dance part deux.) Whoot! Whoot! Whoot!

This whole job search thing has been the pits. I did submit some contract work to a client last week, which felt good but I have missed corporate healthcare marketing. Over the past several months I have felt like a professional interviewer. It has helped boost my confidence, though, and resulted in a few job offers. I had difficult decisions to make, but I am certain that I made the right one not only for me, but for my family.

-And-

3. Aiden got a lil’ stomach virus! It was not associated with chemo or low counts! Nope! Just an icky, run-of-the-mill bug that toddlers like to share!

(Insert: music and third happy dance.) Whoot! Whoot! Whoot!

(Insert: sound of dancing music screeching to a halt and shocked gasps from readers.)

Okay, let me explain the third item on my happy list. Back a long, long time ago in a land known as Fairfax Hospital, stomach bugs resulted in hospital stays. Looooooong hospital stays. Sometimes we were quarantined in our room; highly communicable infections are not taken lightly on a floor dedicated to children with compromised immune systems. These infections usually resulted in more infections, perpetually low blood counts and, as a consequence, delayed treatment. Now that Aiden is in remission (it will be two years come August), his body is able to receive, fight off and share germies like any other runny-nosed chickie. Yep, I am one happy mommy. Plus, let’s be real, vomit does not scare this mama in the least. I got this!

* * *

I know that I have spoken of perspective in many of my posts. I think it is an important state of mind to celebrate, but it also serves as a personal reminder. Life gets hard and that won’t change. I used to think that I should get a “free pass” on the next sh%#t storm scheduled to dump torrential rains on my so-called happy life post-cancer, but that’s just not how it works. We all carry burdens and fears, which make us feel alone and angry. The trick is to not let them eat you alive. Living a happy life is a choice; one you have to work at. Once you get in the routine of celebrating all the good, it really starts to come easy.

Dare I say, “easy as 1, 2, 3?!”

Come on, “baby, you and me” let’s do this happy dance together!

Tiny Moments (since my last post):