Treatment Day – It’s Not a Sprint- Today marks the fifth of what is expected to be ten treatments, the halfway point of this part of the journey. Generally I am feeling good, with most of the “other than normal” sensations seeming to be caused by the treatments.

Treatment days are the mile markers in what has become clear to me is a marathon, and not a sprint. Speaking of that, the NYC Marathon is coming up next month. The marathon has become a global event, with over 50,000 runners from all over the world participating. For so many, it is a bucket list item to participate and finish. It is not about finishing first (only one person can do that), it is about setting and achieving personal goals. If you have not witnessed it on TV or otherwise, the event is an awe-inspiring spectacle of the human spirit, with a sea of humanity pouring across the Verrazzano Bridge at the start of the race.

My son-in-law is training for the NYC Marathon. I am inspired everyday by his effort and dedication to preparing for the event. As race day approaches, we’ve often spoken about what’s required for each of us to accomplish our goals. Determination is essential to staying focused through the long haul of training/treatments. Distractions (music, change of scenery) can help make the physical strain of the task more palatable. And certainly for both of us, the end results are worth the effort required to achieve them. We do what we’re doing to get healthy, and stay healthy. We’ve both agreed that the common denominators for us are a strong positive mental attitude and a support system of family and friends that strengthen and encourage us.

Believe in what you can achieve.

Prayers of strength and love to all those running this marathon.

Sun-day Reflection – Our souls are like windows. They have the ability to reflect light, and to let light in.

I’ve been asked how I came upon the name “Light of Day” for my gallery and the photographic work that I do. When I boiled it down to the least common denominator of the images, regardless of their genre, the one constant is that the subjects all reflect the light of day. In fact, everything we see around us, we see because of the light that is reflected off of it. Photography by its definition is “drawing with light” reflected off of the object, or the person in front of the lens.

The one true source of our light is the sun, and all that is on earth absorbs and reflects the light of that sun. Likewise, a loving God is our source of light, and we are all absorbers and reflectors of that light. So, why this talk about light reflected and absorbed? Because I have been overwhelmed by the responses I have received since I started relating my story. I am grateful to every single person who has taken a moment to respond to these posts in one way or another. Thank you for this gift. Each one of you is reflecting the light that is the goodness in this world. In each of you, I see the face of God reflected.

Along with all of the love and support you’ve shared, your contributions to the American Cancer Society to date are more than double our initial goal, and for that, all those of us in the fight with this disease are immensely grateful.

Everything we have is a gift from above. The only gifts we have to give are the gifts we’ve received.

Fatigue is tiring.

Presence of Mind – Whether you’re in this battle or not, we’ve all received the advice to make the most of every minute. We know it, we say it, we try to do it, we don’t always succeed…, but every reminder puts us back on track and isn’t that the point? If you get knocked down, you get back up again.

This is an image of last night’s sunset in the Berkshires. Being an off week for treatment, we’ve tried to take advantage with some midweek travel, and with the leaves turning, this seemed a good choice. It’s impossible to overstate the joy of witnessing a spectacle of nature such as this in person.

Try to be present, and make the most of every minute and you will be rewarded with a lifetime rich with experience and memories.

Faith is knowing, in the dark of night, that the sun will rise. I have faith that the treatments I’m receiving are doing what they need to do. I have faith that I am exactly where I need to be for what it is I need to do. “There’s nowhere you can be that isn’t where you’re meant to be, it’s easy. All you need is love.”

Currently, I’m three months into this regimen of chemotherapy. Early on I was told this road would present challenges and I was ignorant of what that meant. I’m still not sure I understand the scope of it, but it does feel like the flat cornfields of Kansas are behind me, and the Rocky Mountains are up ahead. Steeling oneself for the trek involves not just strength of body, but also mind and spirit.

I’ve placed the well-being of my body in the capable hands of some very amazing health care professionals, for whom I am so grateful. On the off-treatment days, exercise is essential and is something that is in my control. Positive thinking is mental exercise, and like physical conditioning, there are some days when it is harder than others. Spiritual energy for me comes in the form of prayer and reflection. I’ve placed the well-being of my spirit in the hands of God. I’m grateful for this life I live. With all its ups and downs it is a gift.

I pray for peace and strength, and that my journey can in some way serve a purpose greater than myself.

Receiving difficult news can make you feel like your world stands still, while everything else around you keeps moving at a hundred miles an hour. Look closely and you will see that you are not alone. You are NOT alone. Even though our burdens are our own, God offers each of us a helping hand, if we ask for it.

The love and support I’ve received are prayers answered.