A Thank You

I didn't announce it when it happened a few weeks ago, but I was named a Finalists for the Social Health Awards. I was nominated for several of them, but after the first round of judging, I made the finals for the Revolutionary Researcher Award. They describe that one as being for online health advocates who "refuse to let medical jargon and data slow them down! The winner of this category stays up-to-date on the latest research, treatments, and clinical trials. This winner has a knack for transforming complex information into layman's terms for the greater community."

If I was going to win one, that would be the one I'd want to win for. Alas, I did not win this year.

And I didn't expect to. Even before they started judging, I looked at the other nominees for the award, and I guessed who was likely to win. And I was right. She's kind of awesome. It was a very good group of winners this year in all categories.

But this gives me the chance to thank you all - those of you who nominated me for the awards and who were able to vote for me. Recognition like this isn't necessary, but it's really nice when it happens.  

And a thank you to all of you who read the bog, and leave comments, and email me. All of that is even more important than awards. I always say I would write the blog even if no one was actually reading it, because it's good for me to keep up with what's happening in the world of Follicular Lymphoma. But it's even nicer knowing you're all out there.

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My posts were shorter than usual over the last week, and that's because I was away on vacation (though still checking up on FL World because I can't help myself).

I was in Maine, in Bar Harbor and Arcadia National Park, with about 30 or so family members for a reunion.

I don't know if any of you are from Maine, but my goodness, what a gorgeous state it is. We did lots of hiking, ate some lobsters, drank some good local beer, and just enjoyed being with each other. 

Arcadia is stunningly beautiful, and I was struck by how very different the landscapes were, just a few miles from one another. Rocky mountain trails, then evergreen-covered coast, then traditional New England fishing village. Always something interesting to look at.

(If you're familiar with Arcadia and curious, we did the Mount Gorham Loop, Wonderland Trail, Bar Island, and  Jordan Pond. Each more beautiful than the last.)

 

 

I don't have many "cancer moments" these days -- those times when you stop and gaze and you're aware that you're alive and you feel lucky. Being 16 years out from my initial diagnosis has made those moments less frequent.

But I had a few of them this past week. Walking the Wonderland Trail, at about 50 yards from the coast, I suddenly felt the air get just a little cooler, and the smell of salt hit my nose. I love that smell. You can't help but stop and focus on the moment and forget about everything else and just enjoy what's all around you. That to me is a "cancer moment." And smelling that salt air and then walking a few more steps and seeing this just brings it all into even more focus:

And then, at night, sitting with loved ones and playing a silly game and laughing together, you have another of those nice moments. You just stop and appreciate that life is good.

It was a very good week. I hope you all get the chance to have those moments every now and then.

I'll get back to "refusing to let medical jargon and data slow me down" in a day or two. I'm going to enjoy that last bit of salt air first.