Reflecting on 2008

As I sit here, thinking back on 2008......2 words come to mind: heartache and pain. This year has been such a rough year for me!! And it started in January with Travis (my then bf, whom I had thought I would spend the rest of my life with) suddenly moving to Chicago. And it was either leave my family and dreamjob and move or stay here. I chose to stay here so therein lies the heartache. But, you live and learn and boy did I learn!! Staying here was definitely for the best, (considering what happened later in the year) and I know Travis is much happier in Chicago and I wish him nothing but the best!! Soooo.....the first few months of 2008 were heartache. Then, in April, started the back pain. Severe back pain and back spasms. As the months past, the pain got worse. I saw doctor after doctor, all of which were giving me different diagnosis. I was constantly in the ER until finally my mom said enough is enough and we saw a specialist in July. That was when I landed in the hospital for the first time EVER for surgery on my spinal fracture. After 5 days in the hospital, I came home and thought I could finish the second half of the year great. But, 2 days after getting out of the hospital, I woke up in severe pain-AGAIN! Back to the ER to find out I had yet another spinal fracture. So, on July 28th, 2008, I landed in the hospital once again. This time, finding out the devastating news that I had the C-word. Acute Lymphoblastic Leukimia. This was NOT my life. I barely remember the first week in the hospital. I was so sick and in so much pain, it's all a blur. But, I was NOT going to let it get the best of me and after only 3 weeks, managed to get dismissed and go home. And 3 weeks later, was in remission. The past 5 months have definitely been rough. Making trip after trip to Ft. Wayne for chemo. Countless times in the hospital. Life has definitely been rough and hey, let's say it...has SUCKED!!!! But, there have been some good points. Meeting Rascal Flatts (yes, again-man are they hot!!;), my vacation to Virginia Beach, my job, my co-workers, my students, my family, my friends, and my relationship with God. This year has taught me SO MUCH about who I am, who my true friends are, and that through Christ, all things are possible. Without God, I know....I KNOW I wouldn't have made it through this year. He is my rock and my salvation and without Him, I would be lost.....maybe even dead. So, in closing this chapter of my life called "The Year 2008", I want to say thank you to my family. Mama-especially you. Without you by my side the past few months......I can not tell you how much I appreciate you. I love you!! My sisters-Bri and Trina. Brianda-without you, I would be lost. A part of me would be missing. You are my very best friend and don't know what I'd do without you. I love you my sister!! Trina-I am so blessed and thankful that God put you in my life before I got this horrible disease. You and your family have been so great through all of this and your faith has helped me more than you know. I love you! My friends-Sara Ro, Am, Michelle, Christa, Ang G, many more friends, my Highmarks family, Ruckman, my co-workers, my cheerleaders, my students!! You guys all rock and I love you all!! Thank you to everyone for your fundraising efforts, donations, gifts, thoughts, and prayers. Keep them coming in 2009! And if I've missed anyone-I apologize. There are so many wonderful people in my life!! And you-this awful, horrible thing we call cancer-IN YOUR FACE!! I have beaten you and I will continue to beat you until you are dead and gone forever. You will never again ruin my life or get the best of me. And to 2009-I am SO ready. Bring on the new year! I hope and pray this year brings health, wealth and LOVE! hahaha....May God bring a new man into my life ;) So-bring on the New Year! And good riddance to 2008!!