sometimes, its just your turn

As usual, I've been contemplating the changes that breast cancer has brought to my world. Someone I know had someone close to them recently diagnosed with breast cancer. She came to me with a lot of concerns and fear... and I tried my best to be straightforward with her but also calming. This sister was scared. And I completely understood why. Her loved one was diagnosed with something scary and she simply did not know how to catch her breath and be there for her.

It was a familiar place for me. If nothing else, I want this journey to give me the ability to help other people transition from "normal" to "normal with cancer"... The two worlds are lifetimes apart and the chasm is deep between them. But once those words are uttered... you have no choice but to step off the ledge and into the abyss. No choice. So, you need someone to let you know that when you step off the cliff... you will grow wings.

That's what I'm here for. To let you know that the wings WILL come. The truth is... sometimes its just your turn. I know that may sound defeatist to some. But I don't mean it that way. I simply mean that as long as we're here on this rock, living and breathing and existing... sometimes bad things are going to come our way. Sometimes... it is just our turn. The real issue isn't whether something bad will come. It will. It always does. The real issue is, how prepared are you to handle the craziness when it strikes?

The preparation isn't about knowing everything but it is about adjusting your attitude to deal with whatever comes. My process for dealing with craziness might not be yours (in fact, I really hope that it isn't because my process is strange) but there is a process that I go through.

And as you tackle your demons -- breast cancer being a pretty big one -- you'll find your own process too. Tears may be involved, possibly some cursing and swearing... (shrug) it just depends on you. But the last step is always the same...

...you get up. You shake it off. You take another step.

Just remember... sometimes, its just your turn. Everybody gets one.