I start this – my first blog – with a whirling of thoughts on life with cancer. Life with cancer is life. It’s my life. It’s your life. It’s a life with cancer.

My life with cancer began with the diagnosis the first month into retirement after thirty-four years as an educator working with special needs children and their families. How I looked forward to having my time.

My time, I was told with diagnosis, was expected to be “six to nine months.”

Faith has always been part of my life. I wasn’t afraid to die; but I wasn’t ready to leave just yet. I searched intensely for direction, for meaning, for reasons, for information, for options, and for support. I prayed and trusted for an extension on my time.

My time has been extended.  I heard the words “cancer free.”  I celebrate my birthday March 11^th – I celebrate MY TIME!

Reflections on my time release from my inner being a full gamut of emotions – of self, of spouse, of son and daughter-in-law, of grandchildren, of extended family members, of dear friends and new friends, of fellow survivors (some whose lives were also extended and many whose time with us ended); but mostly the emotions are tied to lessons learned and blessings received.

My time has afforded me options, choices, and opportunities to give. Giving of what I have been given in my time has been the most sustaining resource for renewal of energies and for refilling my spiritual reservoir.

My time – your time, my life – your life are gifts for celebration and call for celebration for gifts!

With the extension of my time, I wish to share thoughts, engage with others, and gift the blessings of survival to you.

Ruth E. Clark, Ed. D.
Spouse, mother, grandmother, sister, friend, teacher, writer, author, publisher, blessed cancer survivor