Another One (Good One) -

Another anniversary - three years ago this week - and boy howdy, I am reliving this week. Let me explain the re-living -

1.
Two weeks ago I was hired as a member of the Palliative Care Team for Intermountain Healthcare, as their chaplain!!!

The Palliative Care offices are in the same wing of the hospital as Radiation Oncology - with Dr. Jay Clark and his wonderful team as now colleagues rather than caregivers!

I walked down the hall last Thursday grinning - here I am, full-circle, healthy, happy, and hired - to my dream job. What more could I ask for - the opportunity to help those who are hurting, emotionally and physically. And although I'll never say, "I know how you feel," I can say, "I had cancer; I had chemo; I had radiation; I had anxiety; I had fear; I had questions." And I can listen - believe it or not, one of the main elements of being a folkorist and a chaplain, and this is a lane I am very comfortable in (perfect place for a introvert).

2.
Last Thursday the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival began - the same night, three years ago I found my tumor.

Yesterday I had my annual mammogram (same as every year for the past 15 years). I had found a bump, and although I wasn't worried, I was. Mammogram, then wait. Ultrasound. Call in the doctor to read. Doctor feels, asks questions. Says, "No - it's a rib and dense tissue." I exhaled.

3.
I am strong. I am breathing. I am healthy. I am not just alive; I am full of life (although still prone to being worn right out by 6pm).

4.
Thank you to the many of you for your support, for your love, your prayers, your words of encouragement. It takes a village.

And I am sooooooooooooooooo excited to begin my journey as a member of this village.