Pay It Forward

I got a gift this year, not having cancer that spread into my lymph nodes. Not the kind of gift wrapped in a pretty package, but the best gift of all. My life, and I am grateful for that. I guess it is wrapped in a pretty package, my body. I had thyroid surgery in August and was lucky that the small cancer that the doctor removed had not spread. When I called my sister Wendy she said, "You just got a gift, my friend, pay it forward."

I have tried to do that this year, providing support for my friends, and talking to a parent at my school going through breast cancer treatment. My sister had breast cancer last summer, and ran the Portland marathon this year. She is amazing and strong and beautiful and continues to be an inspiration to me.

As the New Year approaches, I want to be grateful for all that I have, a loving family and my health and happiness. My 13 year old son is happy in his school and has an active social life. My six year old daughter is reading and writing and has a true best friend. My 17 year marriage to my husband Keith is still going strong. I have great friends, and I love my job.

I look forward to all of the good things that 2011 has in store for me. Happy New Year!