So an anniversary is rapidly approaching. In fact, really, today starts the anniversary period. And aside from it most obviously being the subject of this post, that really is the thought that I've been wondering. And I would like to pose it to y'all, dear readers. No, seriously, legitimately, PLEASE respond. I'm very curious to hear your thoughts - reply here, or on the link from the Book of Faces that likely brought you here...
What *would* you consider to be the anniversary of this whole...mess. We humans are big on commemorating things, and with very few, rare exceptions we do it down to a single date. A birthday, a wedding anniversary, a graduation date. Most of our religious holidays - though I am quick to note, those are the exceptions I can think of - holidays like Hannukah, Lent, or Ramadan.
I feel like with this being year #1, it's going to set the tone, and the tradition, for years to come. Because don't get me wrong - as scary and terrifying and horrific as it was, I aim to CELEBRATE what I survived. Not to say "Yay, I had a brain tumor," but to say "Yay, I *HAD* a brain tumor. I survived. I am still here, I am in this world. I BEAT THIS BITCH." And to remind myself of the outpouring of support - the friends from near and far that stood up, that jumped up, and helped.
And that means you. All of you. You all helped by being there, by caring, by sending notes and words of encouragement, by listening. By caring. You gave a damn, and that was noticed. And it mattered. And it helped. THAT is what I...we...choose to remember and celebrate.
So, uhm, yeah. Back to the question. What date would YOU pick? Which day makes the most sense? I don't really think today counts, it wouldn't be my choice, but the options are:
January 16: Acute onset of the symptoms
January 19: Went to the hospital, got told "something's wrong"
January 20: Diagnosed with brain tumor
January 21: Surgery #1
January 23: Discharge #1
January 30: Biopsy results
February 4: Surgery #2 and final
February 6: Discharge #2
February 19: Final clinic, final biopsy, cleared to enter the "post surgical care" phase and generally marked as, well, not 100% "CURED," but definitely stable.
And, just because I can, and because everyone could use more bright happy shiny stuff in their lives, here's a recent photo of the 3 most amazing people in my life. And as has been a recurrent theme of this blog they are, naturally, getting ready for snow. :P
I'd say Feb 19th - that is truly the day that brought you to this question. If you had gotten any other news that day, the anniversary would be at a later date or you wouldn't be asking the question at all. But since no one is guaranteed another day, every day is an opportunity to celebrate the life we have been given. So glad you are here to celebrate life!!!! (And you have a gorgeous wife and two handsome sons!!!) - Caroline
ReplyDeleteFeb. 4--her DEATH. That's what should be celebrated. That's the day the last bit was removed from your body. The rest the followed was paperwork. We don't celebrate the day Bin Laden was born or the day they discovered where he was hiding, we celebrate the day he was removed. Dad.
ReplyDeleteDid you know that February 12th is Gromit's Birthday? It doesn't quite match up, but it is an excellent excuse to have a Huge cake! Otherwise I would go with the 4th like your Dad - the end of the occupation, the day that Sylvia "left the building." Your family is so adorable. I hope that whatever day you decide to celebrate, you will take a photo just like this with them, but with you in it. :) Alana
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