Celebrating from the valley

“Celebrate! Celebrate!” I read those words on social media, and I thought, that’s probably a really good idea; even if, I am terrified to celebrate.

I had big plans for the long holiday weekend. I knew I would visit family over the course of a week and a half while the girls had a few days off of school. Plus, our local zoo had been hosting a lantern festival I wanted to check out. I knew we had several fun outings scheduled close together. Surely celebrating would be attainable. 

Naturally, I built these events into our week for the sake of good news or bad news. I knew it would be hard to be home if I received bad news from my oncologist. Tim and I would just be defeated and end up taking the bad news out on each other. I would become obsessive over how clean the house was, and Tim would avoid me. I needed the distractions and company of loved ones scheduled. 

Inevitably, celebrating was a tall order. Getting the all clear and clinging for dear life at the same time don’t welcome a party. As simple as it sounded to celebrate, the world around me still remained fragile. 

Friends still have their ports. One friend still has debilitating, unexplained pain. Then there’s a dear loved one who is using all of her strength to move forward from a horrific accident. The acquaintance whose cancer turned metastatic. The father who lays alone at night after Heaven snatched the mother of his children.  

What’s the point of celebrating if there is brokenness all around me? 

To focus on celebrating myself is totally out of my comfort zone. Especially if the people next to me are hurting. I’d totally rather celebrate someone other than myself.

I am so blessed to have people celebrate me. Family surprised me with cakes, balloons, spa days, jewelry, the infamous tiramisu, and my favorite matcha latte. I’m so grateful they didn’t let the celebration slip away. So grateful. 

While I am still finding my footing in this freeing chapter of my cancer journey, my kids and hubby were totally worth celebrating. 

We celebrated them by saying “Yes” at the zoo’s lantern festival; yes to face painting, and Dippin’ Dots. We spent the long weekend boating at the cottage. Plus, a road trip to grandma and grandpa’s to hang with cousins and swim in the pool. They were the gold on the good days and the hard days. I’d celebrate them everyday if I wasn’t so easily inclined to forget all they’ve sacrificed and loved me when they themselves were terrified.

At the end of the week, I will share with you what you’ve probably been wondering, “What’s Next?” 

I can’t wait to tell you what’s around the corner and how you can be a part of it. Stay tuned for more ways on how I’m celebrating all God has done!