Chapter 1 Embracing New Beginnings

Recently, I’ve been through a challenging few weeks.

I was hit with a sinus infection while juggling several responsibilities—filing taxes for myself and my mother, arranging CT and PET scans, an unexpected trip to the emergency room, and managing medical expenses. It felt like a lot to handle at once.

My energy, already low, plummeted further because of the illness. To make matters worse, the antibiotics were wreaking havoc on my digestive system, leading to frequent trips to the restroom and a persistent, dull stomach ache.

But today marks a fresh start, and I give thanks for that. Yesterday was my final dose of antibiotics, allowing me to return to real meals instead of relying solely on bananas, rice, applesauce, and Saltine crackers. I might be pushing my luck, but I’m preparing a Thai chicken curry today, keeping it mild. I also enjoyed some yogurt and the remaining bananas for breakfast, and I plan to sip on kombucha to help restore my gut health.

This morning, I took a long walk in the beautiful sunshine, something I hadn’t been able to do for the last ten days due to increased sun sensitivity from the medication. The joy of walking in the sun again was uplifting.

During times when I felt too fatigued to walk, I could still sit outside on my porch. The past ten days were tough since I couldn’t do that either, especially with my honeysuckle in full bloom. Thankfully, it’s still thriving, so I plan to brew some tea later and relish the delightful aroma from my porch.

Despite these struggles, I surprisingly feel incredibly grateful. Although I face numerous challenges, I am constantly reminded of the love from my Creator, which means everything to me.

I hope that wherever you find yourself today, you discover joy in your journey. Sending much love your way.

Currently, I am battling stage IV cancer. If you feel inclined to assist with medical expenses, I would be deeply grateful. Alternatively, if you enjoy my writing and wish to buy me a cup of coffee, that would be wonderful too. Perhaps one day, I can return the kindness.

Chapter 2 Finding Strength Through Faith

The first video, "Pearl Jam - Alive (Official Video)," captures the essence of resilience and the celebration of life even in tough times.

The second video, "Emigrate - I'm Still Alive (Official Video)," serves as an anthem of perseverance, encouraging us to stay strong despite our battles.