Mindfulness

“These woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.” 

Robert Frost,   Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening


    It has been a strange day and one that has brought me to this page. A wonderful young friend of mine tragically died recently and I attended the funeral parlour today to pay my respects and to give support to both of his parents who are also dear friends. It was, as expected, an emotional experience. His funeral will be held tomorrow and I, like many others, will say goodbye and grieve for the loss of a young life. I then came home to an unexpected and very welcome message from one of my old pupils. It really lifted my day. She got in touch to say that she had read my blog and wished me and Olivia well and that she thought that my blog could benefit others. It came at an incredibly appropriate moment (thank you Emma). It reminded me to be grateful. Grateful that I am alive, that I can still be a mum, a daughter,a sister a friend, a help to parents who are burying their son. I can also be of use to others who may learn something useful from my experience with breast cancer. Today reminded me that I started my blog with the view to passing on information as well as it being cathartic for me. I haven't been writing lately, and while this is no bad thing, as it essentially means that I am living my life and by no means dwelling on having cancer, nonetheless I was reminded that I shouldn't forget about this. Lately I have been able to live normally and put my disease to the back of my mind (most of the time). It's been three months since my last scan and I feel (in the main) healthy. This is great and long may it continue but I must remember to share anything of value here. As I have been doing well I haven't really been researching like a fiend as I often do, but I'm sure that will come again. My next scan, which is due soon, may or may not indicate if my using LDN is proving beneficial. I will report accordingly. For the moment I am reflecting on how valuable living with a positive mind set can be and how by doing so we can enrich not just our own lives but those of the people around us. Life is too short to be angry, or resentful or even just caught up in ourselves in a general way. We really must be the best that we can on a daily basis because as I was reminded of this afternoon, in the company of friends, we really only have today. I am not going to think too much about the forthcoming scan nor the results, I am simply going to try to live my life while I still can and as best I can.