Day 16, January 20, 2002
Daily inspiration
Good morning Coast to Coast Team: I am sure you must be counting down the days left before you have reached St.Augustine. As I was looking through a couple of my books today, I came across a letter a cancer survivor has written. I wanted to share this letter with everyone because it speaks of her feelings through cancer and after. The note is called "Mirror, Mirror on the Wall" When I look into the mirror I see a survivor. I don't think about anything but living. Well, that's not true because the farther I get from cancer , the more hopes and dreams I let creep in. When I looked into the mirror during my illness, I wasn't that bald person staring back at me. I didn't recognize myself.
My body had let me down, but I didn't want my soul to escape. People responded to the way I looked. I hated the pity I saw in their eyes as much as the fear. The body is back to its original state, bu the soul has taken on the wonderful layers of a survivor.
Now I celebrate
Bad-hair days
Bushy eyebrows
Stubbled legs with razor burn.
I celebrate
Blended flavors of peanut butter and chocolate
Sweet lemonade through a straw
Greasy hamburgers with bacon.
I celebrate whining children
Shouting and arguing
Pulsating music and barking dogs.
I celebrate Making plans
Dreaming
The hoping that goes with having a future.
I celebrate life.
-Karen Klosterman
To the team, celebrate every part of your day today. Love Diane, Skylar and Brooklyn