I’ve been putting off writing on my blog for a while.
I’ve had a hard time wrapping my mind around all the changes that we’ve had to deal with over the past month. I have breast cancer – an ugly and aggressive form of the disease. Ironically, a form of cancer that usually shows up in young people. I hadn’t really considered myself particularly young at 46, but in the world of breast cancer, I’m still a youngster.
One minute, our life was normal and the next minute our world was spinning. A month has passed now since diagnosis and I am ready to move on! I am ready to be done crying and I’m ready to go back to appreciating my life! I’m ready to go back to spending happy times with my family and friends and most of all I’m ready to appreciate the beauty and significance of each new day and experience.
One of the reasons we bought our Airstream in the first place is that we knew that life could turn on a dime. Todd and I wanted to experience this adventure together while we were young and healthy. We had a wonderful first year! We enjoyed ourselves more than we could ever have imagined. Life is good and cancer can’t take that away!
One week before my diagnosis, we spent a beautiful weekend with the staff that I teach with at Camp Creek. It was a fun way to end the summer camping season! I’ve been a teacher at my school for 23 years! These people to me are more like family than friends.
Todd and I are heading out this weekend for our first trip since diagnosis and starting chemo. I’m feeling healthy and strong and I can’t wait to sit by the campfire again!!!!
Beautiful words to a mother’s ears. I am very proud of your courage! Love Mom
Sent from my iPad
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You so deserve to sit by that campfire and just enjoy your life!!! My heart goes out to you and am sending joy and energy your way!!!
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Kim, Mom and I couldn’t be prouder….Dad
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Kim, thank you for sharing such an intimate and personal moment. We are keeping you in our thoughts and look forward to meeting you and your family when we visit Oregon!
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I’m one of your blog followers/readers and I have missed you and your beautiful photography. Here’s sending you the very best during your treatment and recovery. To life!
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Please check your airforums email.
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Kim, Thank you for your ongoing words and gorgeous images while sharing your life, beautiful family, and your oh so cute trailer as you continue your camping experiences and life journey.
My experience with cancer has underscored for me what Senator Edward M. Kennedy wrote in his memoir, “True Compass”: “Every day is a gift…”
http://airstreamlife.com/historysafariexpress/2009/09/20/mohs-surgery/
Thank you for your ongoing gift to us via “The Small Small Trailer”.
Take care
Bill D.
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Dear Kim,
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and photos. Your positive energy and creativity is a symphony to appreciate and sings of your celebration of the loved ones and woodland paradise that surrounds you. In the northwest, having immediate access to escape the challenges of every day living is a wonderful convenience.
Before retiring, I had worked in San Diego County with teachers for almost 32 years providing therapy for their physically disabled students. It is evident that you are one of the education professionals that I would revere as a “super teacher”. You have made and continue to make a positive difference in so many lives, thank you.
Wishing you good health, fun camping, and happy feasting,
Larry
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Bill D. suggested I check your blog and I’m glad I did. Wonderful photography and I bet your campfires of life will just get better and better. Janie and I send our very best!
Bert Gildart
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Wishing you all the best and a quick and full recovery. These moments in life make you realize the importance of enjoying each and every day. I can tell from your blog that you have a strong family and a full life. Never give up. I expect you to be our tour guide when we visit Oregon. You will be in our thoughts until then and thank you for sharing such a personal moment. Plus, you need to teach me how to take photographs of all those waterfalls.
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You are in my thoughts!! Happy Travels
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Our prayers are with you here. May your recovery be quick and stress free.
Your Airstream is only the beginning of your blissful life to come.
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Thank you for sharing your trials and challenges, along with such a positive attitude and, of course, your beautiful photos. May your recovery be quick and full. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
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I wondered where you’d gone. So sorry to hear about the diagnosis. Your attitude is as beautiful as your photos. I’ll be sending positive, healing thoughts your way.
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Kim,
I am so very sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I have enjoyed following your adventures in your wonderful Bambi and greatly appreciate your thoughtful correspondence with me through Airforums. Please know you and Todd are in my thoughts.
Wishing you a full and quick recovery.
Susan Nesbit
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Kim,
My prayers are with you , sending good thoughts your way.
Sandy
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Your photos and wonderful storytelling voice makes reading your blog so enjoyable. My husband and I have been considering a move to the Northeast in a few years, and your blog has given us so many wonderful ideas of where to visit.
I wish you a full and quick recovery, and send healing thoughts and energy your way.
Best,
Katie
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And of course, I meant the NorthWEST!
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I continue to hope that your treatment is going well and that you will be back camping and blogging soon. Spring is around the corner! Jane
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