A moment to think…

Hearing one has cancer, even a curable kind, takes one by surprise, to say the least.

Once the mental adjustment is made, what follows is unexpected clarity of thought.

It’s a time when you…

  • appreciate loving family and supportive friends.
  • reassess what’s important to you
  • feel grateful for all you have
  • revisit past memories
  • wonder about new possibilities in the future
  • notice more
  • have a clearer understanding of others
  • say things that have been unsaid
  • find the courage to take a stand on things that bother you
  • make plans…

After my surgery tomorrow, I plan on working towards a full recovery in time to welcome my first grandchild into the world in August.

71 thoughts on “A moment to think…

  1. I went through this a little less than a year ago. Everytime I look at the enormous scar that cuts my abdômen down the middle, I think of at least one of the things you listed. It’s a beautiful reminder to me of how precious my life is. I wish you the best of luck and a peaceful recovery.

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  2. Ed, you find the exact words to say things. .You pull out the heart and core of experiences. I cant find words to say back but join with all your friends to wish you well.

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  3. Edna, I am so sorry to hear your news. I am halfway around the world, but had just come to visit your blog as I was commenting to a friend about how much I enjoy your insights – so sorry to know you are dealing with hard news. I hope your treatment goes well, and know that people are wishing you all the best!

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  4. Blessings, blessings, blessings in the precise shape of YOUR need. You are thought of on every continent! Courage – you do not walk this path alone . . . there’s an international community standing by your side . . .

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    1. Thinking of YOU and praying that all is going well and that YOU are not in pain or uncomfortable!!!! Bless YOU a thousand times!

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  5. Your incredible mindfulness and courage will help carry you through Edna. Wishing you the very best of outcomes and- yes – so many supporting you from near and far. Take care, Kath

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  6. Thinking of you. Keep positive and know you are supported from so many…even those you’ve only met online. Take care.

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  7. Edna I will be thinking of you tomorrow and only wish you a successful and speedy recovery. Looking forward to having you back at school stretching our thinking and encouraging us to question what learning is really about. Sending you much love. X Lana

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  8. I haven’t been following blogs or Twitter much at all this past school year. I’ve actually just transferred to Feedly in the last couple of days to get caught up with my favorites, and this is the first of yours I’ve seen.

    I’m very sorry to hear about your having to go through this experience, but as usual, you’ve found a way to see the positive in it. You will be in my prayers!

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  9. Edna – I will be thinking of you and hope your surgery is a success. May your recovery and road ahead be as smooth as it can be. It’s time to take your energetic and inspiring spirit and direct it towards yourself. Thank you for the constant inspiration and thought provoking writing you do. Take care!

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  10. Best wishes to you from a Canadian colleague! I too have been where you are, and, through many prayers and lots of love, I am well. Will be praying for a swift recovery! May God bless you.

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  11. Thinking of you. I would highly recommend reading A Bend in the Road by Dr. David Jeremiah. It is very helpful for anyone going through a trial. Very powerful! It has helped me get through a very difficult time in my life. I reread it at least twice a year.

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  12. Edna, your positivity and spirit will go a long way to aiding your recovery, which we all hope will be as smooth and as quick as possible. You’ll be in our thoughts constantly tomorrow and over the next few weeks. Looking forward to having you back on your feet, fighting fit, and to hearing all about the special arrival in August.

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  13. Thinking of you and keeping you in my prayers! I have read every post from your blog for so long and learned so much from you. Being a grandmother is the best!
    I hope that all goes well and that you are completely recovered very soon,
    Beth Diaz

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  14. Go well Edna, your list is so very true! Now it is time for you to set some time just for you. Time to heal, time to relax with family and friends. You have given us all so much through your incredible blogs. Now it is time for us to give you our best wishes and prays!

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  15. Edna, in the short time I’ve known you through Twitter and #pypchat, you’ve been an inspiration to me and a source of teaching wisdom. Have a speedy recovery and know that our hearts and prayers are with you.

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  16. Edna, Im sure your recovery will be quick. Ive known you for about 2 years now and you always inspire me (and so many others) through your posts, emails, tweets. See you in July for that coffee!

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  17. Edna, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I hope you take the time to rest and recover well. Congrats on being a grandma very soon!

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  18. Hope all went well today Edna. Looking forward to welcoming you into the grandparent club 🙂 It’s a great club to belong to! Take care.- thinking of you and sending yu lots of good wishes.

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  19. Thinking of you and wishing you a speedy recovery. This experience will lead you to learning more about yourself and and others. Every cloud has a silver lining!

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  20. I’ve always thought that it’s a shame that it takes a life threatening event to get us to slow down and be thankful and see what is truly important in life. As shocking as this may seem now, it is a positive event. Having cancer is never easy, even if it’s the curable kind, however looking back on my dealings with cancer, I see it as a positive event in my life because it made me see life clearly. If only everyone could have the ‘experience’ without having to deal with cancer or anything life threatening. You will be in my prayers Edna as you deal with this dreadful disease. I’m a survivor and you will be too!

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  21. Thinking of you, Edna and how grateful I am for your generosity, mindfulness and curiosity. Your blog has provoked and encouraged me to reflect, develop and change my teaching and my thinking. You are an inspiration.

    I hope and pray that the operation has gone smoothly and that you have a peaceful recovery.

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  22. Dear Edna,

    I am sorry to hear of this challenge in your life. LIke Selena, I also pray that your operation has gone smoothly and that your recovery will be swift and complete.

    You are an inspiring person.

    Congratulations on becoming a grandmama as well.

    Do take care.

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  23. Sorry I jumped the gun on grandmotherhood there, but well, best wishes to you and all your family for the expected new arrival.

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  24. Hi Edna, so sorry to hear your news. Cancer is never a pleasant word and I can only imagine some of the feelings you must have. Hope you have come through the surgery okay and that you will be in full health to enjoy the birth of your grandchildren. Grandchildren are so, so special and this baby will be so lucky to have you as a Grandma! Take care!

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  25. Hi Edna-on Feb. 25 I had surgery for prostate cancer and during the first few weeks of my recovery I was overcome with adjustments and challenges. The biggest adjustment for me was to slow down and take the time I needed to recover . . . this I found difficult! Once I allowed myself to do this, after about 4 weeks from the date of my surgery many things became very clear to me. Many of them you mentioned in your blog entry. Thanks for sharing and I am still recovering but totally excited about the prospect of another school year.

    I trust you are well.

    Don Wielinga
    Twitter: @Wielinga1

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