September, 20, 2014!

The Celebration Team!

Two years ago, September 20, 2012, was a beautiful, crisp, clear fall day. But what I felt like inside, having just been diagnosed with Breast Cancer, was cloudy, scared and unsure of what the future would bring. This year I couldn't help but think of the woman I was 2 years ago. I wish I could have told her it was going to be OK, better than OK. The journey was going to be hard, gut wrenching at times and a mind "f@#*", but the beautiful things that would come out of the experience would outweigh all the painful parts. I would have told her that ahead of her were deeper connections to friends and family that she could never think possible but the best part would be a better connection to herself!

This September 20th the day was misty, cold and windy. Camels Hump was socked by a cloud. It was funny, I felt as though we were in our own world being snuggly held by the mist, almost in a huge hug! I was so lucky to be joined in celebration by the best friends and husband I could have ever asked for! During our silent hike up the mountain thoughts of friendship, love, hope, and even a bit of poetry filled my mind.

Friendship/Love is like a Climbing a Mountain

Sometimes it is rocky and sometimes love is smooth

Some Friends lead the way

Some have our backs

Some friends push us from behind to reach the top

Others take their own time

My poem is not very original or good but to experience the energy of hiking silently among friends and family is very powerful! The best part was I felt comfortable putting it out there. I was pretty sappy throughout the day but I felt so overwhelmingly grateful for this journey and the people who have made it all possible. 

Lately, I have been surrounded by a lot of bad news and I have been thinking of how do we survive, actually, more than survive in this world with so much pain but still remain happy and resilient? I spoke of this on our hike and I left our group with a challenge; next time you hear bad news whether it is a friend, family member or the media, take a deep breath, acknowledge the pain and then take a minute to open up to the possibility that something beautiful will be coming. You may not know when or what it will look like, but open yourself up to the inner knowing that with great pain there is great joy. I am just thinking that small bursts of positive energy will go far! It won't hurt to try! The next thing I hope people will take away is the willingness to surprise someone! Rob Nathan, my old middle school swim team coach did just that. His willingness to drive up from Connecticut on Saturday morning and put himself out there to support me was beyond anything I have ever experienced. He had been huge part of my Lynn Strong support team on Facebook and to have him acknowledge my journey in this way was unbelievable and humbling!

Thank you again for everyone that came on the hike and to those that sent well wishes the energy was palpable! Until next year! xo Lynn