Tuesday, May 25, 2010

New Beginnings

Dear family, friends, and supporters,
After a long hiatus from my blog, I finally have re-gained the excitement of writing. The telling of a personal life story can be quite exhausting. Sometimes, it was therapeutic, while other times it meant re-hashing details I didn't want to remember. I just needed to retreat to my family.

So, here I am, strong of mind and heart with a renewed energy AND not to mention... a PET scan result that says I'm cancer free! I face the world with a different attitude, and am learning how to function with this new outlook. I possess much more empathy and peace these days. However, my patience level fluctuates. See, I have much more patience for sensitive situations, much less for meaningless ones. This Leo sometimes has to be tamed ;) I struggle when people make excuses for themselves and want to shake them to understand that they can do something about it - make every day a special one.

I'm learning how to essentially forgive others for not having gone through a traumatic experience or excuse them for not knowing what I've been going through. I'm hoping this is a normal post-trauma thing to experience?? I do recognize what is wrong with the picture - I'm just being honest with what runs through my head sometimes when I encounter mean or ungrateful or faith-less people. Work in progress I suppose :) On the other side of patience and understanding, I no longer get frustrated when someone takes the elevator up one floor or maybe scoops up the last close parking space - I don't know what their story is...maybe they needed it...just like I did at one point. You just never know someone's story. Also, if you do learn about someone's story, share your support. Some of the most touching moments during all of this were the ones that complete strangers hugged me or offered me prayers. What a generous and caring world we DO live in. It gave me reassurance and hope. Please share love and faith with others who need it.

In continuing my new beginnings, I have accepted a new job in a warm, welcoming office. This position will offer me the opportunity to be supported, to grow, and to continue to establish my new self. In addition, I have started to grow my stationery/invitation business Sincerely Sara Cate - 3 weddings and many notecard orders have been filled! Website soon to come....once I figure out all the nuances to building a website - much tougher than I thought! I am so thankful that through my life experiences, I recognized what makes me and have made changes in my career path to reflect that.

Now, onto what I would consider the most special new beginning... Dashing and my wedding! As you know, we were engaged on his birthday, December 18th. We will be tying the knot on July 10, 2010. OH SO SOON! We've got most things in order, and are just finalizing details at this point. Another new beginning moment.... I've got Dashing taking dance lessons! Now that is big! I think he has started many new beginnings right along side me. We have continued to grow closer with stronger support, understanding, and most importantly, love. We are enjoying every moment of our engagement from reading books together that our Pastor assigned to picking out centerpiece details (although agreeing on registry items has been a little bit more challenging, but fun none-the-less).

In reading about someone else's experience with cancer, I have adopted this explanation to wrap up this part of my life and move forward to the next....

I don't think I'll ever be able to say that I'm glad I've had cancer, but I must say that I am so glad and thankful for all of the wonderful changes it has brought to my life. My relationships with family and friends has grown stronger. I have been able to identify what makes me happy and ensure that all parts of my life contribute to my happiness. My relationship with Dashing has bloomed into an even more loving, caring, and supportive one - I am so happy to be spending the rest of my life with him. These are wishes many people hope to gain in a lifetime - and I've been able to do just that.

Thank you for all the support, encouragement, strength, and love you all have given me. You all have shown me the kind of compassion that I didn't think even existed. So, here is me, signing off on the old Sara Cate, and welcoming new beginnings. This fall, I will be transforming this blog into a new Sincerely Sara Cate to help me continue to find inspiration in the things I love. I hope you will join me on that journey.

Sincerely,
Sara Cate

18 comments :

Everyday Adventures said...

Glad to have you back and congrats and good luck on the "new" you! Also congrats on the upcoming wedding, I am getting married in a couple weeks as well!!

THE Stephanie said...

Praise the Lord for your cancer-free diagnosis!! Enjoy your new beginnings :)

Amy's Blog! said...

Congrats! Love your message, I am trying to see the good in everything and relax in my life. Good luck with everything and I cant wait to hear all about your wedding plans :)

Sara said...

Wishing you all the best life has to offer...

Madison Sanders said...

I know exactly what you mean. After my traumatic health problems, I have less patience for the petty things that people complain about. I think people should make every effort to be positive instead of complaining.

Congratulations on becoming acquainted with the new you! It is quite an adjustment I must say, but you have the right outlook.

So glad you're back!

Lindsey said...

Welcome back! What a great post and your advice is truly worth accepting and applying to my own life. I am a Leo too, so I know what you mean!

melissa said...

So glad you're back and CANCER FREE!!! A new job & a wedding just around the corner - sounds like you're a busy girl. Congratulations on your new beginings - can't wait to read along as you take this journey.

theharrisgirl said...

So grateful for you in so many ways! Enjoy your life living more deeply!

Patience, ew, but needed by us all!
Love!!!

Love Lace said...

So glad to have you back and Cancer Free!!!!!!! Congratulations on your upcoming wedding, and all of the wonderful new beginnings headed your way! Wishing you lots of happiness as you begin new journeys!

Sweet Simplicity said...

This is great news!!!! I can't wait for you to blog more and to see your stationery!

Emily Hester said...

I'm so happy for you and the amazing life you and Dashing have ahead of you. I'm continually amazed at the courage and strength you take with you into every life situation. I'm so proud of you Sara - I love you BB!

Ashley K said...

Sara- You are truly an inspiration to me and I am so glad that I can call you a friend and sister. You are amazing and I cannot wait to see you start your new journey with Dashing and your outlook on life! LOVE YOU!!

Anonymous said...

Congrats!!! Woohoo cancer free!

McDorky said...

SOOO glad you are back! I was hoping all was alright! Glad that you are healthy and happy! Take care, Katie @weneedamedicalmiracle.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Praise the Lord for answered prayers AND your oh-so-positive outlook on life. Looking forward to your wedding and meeting Dashing!! Love, Aunt Nancy

My name is Sara. said...

Sara...I am so happy for you. This is wonderful news. I'm glad you picked July 10th for your wedding...I mean it is just one day before my birthday!

I miss you dearly...I can't wait to see your website. Sounds wonderful!

ITB - The "other" Sara from Fort Smith

Hawk said...

I just asked your Dad a few days ago how you are doing. He said you are doing great and you recently updated your blog. I am so happy to hear you are cancer free! Your writing in this latest blog is very moving. It brought tears to my eyes. Your ability to convey spiritual, heartfelt emotion is truly a gift from God. I am happy to hear you are going to continue your writing. May God continue to bless you and Dashing as you start your new life together.
Sincerely,

David Hawkins
Indy

Monique said...

Best news you could ask for! You write beautifully. Very inspiring!!

 

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