Three Years

So it has been three years since I received the news that would change my life forever. I don't think I still fully comprehend how incredible it is that I had and survived cancer. It is incredible how much my life has changed in these three years. At times it seems like an eternity ago, and other times it feels like it passed so quickly. Three years ago I was a naive 20-year-old just moseying her way along in life and not really knowing who she truly was. Since that blurred moment of diagnosis, I have slowly discovered who I am and what is important to me in my life.

Pre-Cancer days of Rachel Ann's existence.

Cancer was a huge event in my life and helped shape who I have become and is a continual influence on who I am becoming. I have had a few people talk to me and I can tell they feel as though they cannot talk to me about their trials because I had such a huge event happen to me. This is not so. I feel as though everyone's trials are big and important. Each trial we have shapes our lives in the way that God wants it to be. The way we handle trials is the key. If we choose to wallow and let the trial control us, then we are not allowing ourselves to learn from the opportunity that God has in front of us. On the other hand, if we choose to see or imagine the glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel, we will have a completely different experience. This can take practice, but it is possible.

Trials are given to us to help us grow. Heavenly Father never gives us something we cannot handle. He is constantly there and cares about the microscopic details in our lives. He will never abandon us to fend for ourselves. He has given us so many tools to get through the tough times as well as the good times as well. He provides good things in the bad times as well and provides ways to see the good, but if we are not allowing ourselves to see the good, then we are not taking advantage of His blessings. We are not too small that we cannot talk to God. The things that matter to us, matter to him. He is constantly cheering for us and wants us to succeed.

I am grateful to have such an amazing support system and family.
I absolutely love and adore my parents and the example they set for me.

Finding joy in the journey. Who says that a baldie can't have fun?

"Making Memories!"

I know it sounds odd, but I am constantly giving thanks for my bald days. They were such a refining moment for me. I was taken to hell and back. But I was taken there for a reason. There were things that I learned during that experience that I would never have learned any other way. I am humbled that God would give me that trial and allow me to learn so much. It is just another way that proves to me that He loves me and wants to help me grow.

I know I would not have been able to get through that experience without the knowledge of a loving Heavenly Father and my Savior Jesus Christ. I knew the entire time that I was not alone and that there was one person who knew exactly how I was feeling. With that knowledge, cancer wasn't so scary. Yes, it was extremely difficult, and hard. I definitely would not choose to take a chemo lemonade again, but I know that I could handle it. Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and the knowledge that I am loved by Heavenly beings, I can become unstoppable.

I'm taking Rexburg by storm. Watch out 'burgers, I'm continually learning your ways
and shall continue conquer and succeed in whatever you put in my way!

At times it is still hard to think of the experiences I had and feel as though no one truly understands, but I wouldn't give those times up for anything. They have made me who I am today and I am continually learning and growing from them. I am not perfect and I do not know everything, but I do know that God lives and that I am His daughter. I know that Christ was born, died and was resurrected for me. I know that I am never alone and that I can still live after a huge trying event in my life. I'm looking forward to the great years that are in store for me. Bring it on life! I'm ready for you!

Happy three year cancerversary to me!