"No man is an island." "It takes a village."... I could go on and on. There are so many sayings that all express how coming together in a community is vital to one's happiness and well-being. The community of GLF epitomizes what it means to be a supportive caring community. The families of GLF have rallied together and have given so much of their time, talents and love to me and my family over the years, and over this last year it has - dare I say... saved my life.
In June 2006, I was diagnosed with stage IV non-smoking lung cancer. The cancer has spread to other areas of my body and is considered inoperable. I don't know how this disease invaded my body, I don't care to know the predictions of how long it will be before this disease takes my life and I don't waste my time trying to understand the "why me" perspective of what having cancer entails. Instead, I am fighting everyday to beat this cancer and to stay alive. Some days are hard, but most days are good.
The hard days are what most people would expect. I just take a little bit more to see that the road ahead will be better. On the good days, I can enjoy the time I have with my family and friends and I cherish every memory being created. There's no doubt that being diagnosed with cancer changes one's perspective in life and alters the priorities you have. I don't have the energy that I used to have so I reserve that energy to spend on the precious moments in life. For some of the other not-so-precious moments in life, I've been so overwhelmingly blessed with my friends in GLF.
During the times that I haven't been able to think, much less think ahead of what logistical arrangements would be needed for my daughters to participate in one activity or another, the community of GLF has been there. When I haven't been able to keep any food in my stomach, much less prepare dinner for a family of four, the community of GLF has been there. When I haven't had the strength to shower myself, much less clean an entire house, GLF has been there. Most importantly, when I haven't been able to feel anything but pain pervade my body, the wonderful people of GLF have been there for me to subside the pain and replace it with comfort and hope. Again, I could go on and on about how it has taken a village for me to live my life, but I know I wouldn't have this life without the love and support of GLF.
Again, thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers.
With all my love,
Yen Allen and Family (David, Lindsey and Jennifer) |