sing it back to me

Happiest of New Years to you, dear ones!

One year ago I was asking myself how I was gonna make it through ‘22. One year later I am remembering the beautiful, brave souls that got me through the year. You walked with me in incredible ways. Your many notes and cards. Your flowers and get-you-through-it gift boxes. Your calls and texts. Your meaningful comments. (I’ve read every one of them!) Your books, articles, blogs, and podcasts. Your art—so much beautiful art! 😊

And above all, your presence—the ways you showed up reminding me to choose life no matter the road ahead.

I am forever grateful.

Here is what I learned along the way: you don’t need someone who knows every step of the way, you just need “someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words” (CS Lewis).

Speaking of someone who can sing it back to you, last year, Stephan gave me a signed copy of one of my favorite illustrations from Charlie Mackesy’s gorgeous book, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse. Remember these words….

One day you’ll see how hard it all was and how brave you were.

For those who want an amazing experience, BBC partnered with Charlie to lovingly hand-animate his beautiful book into the “most watched BBC show on Christmas ever.” One British media outlet said it turned all their “viewers into blubbering wrecks.” 

That was me!😊

Looking ahead, 2023 is less daunting. Next week I will find out from my oncologist if I can join a drug trial for a cancer research study even as I continue my daily hormone therapy. I have one more surgery in February and I am grateful to be accepted into my local YMCA’s LIVESTRONG program. 

My greatest hope is that by this time next year, I will be ready to climb a mountain again.

Any suggestions?

Your generous care and genuine love have been our greatest medicine in this difficult year.  You are my strength for the climb!