The year that I was doing chemotherapy for colon cancer was one of the best years of my life. My cancer crisis coincided with completing my PhD and moving with my husband to the West Coast.
That first year in our new home, as poison medicine coursed through my veins, so too did immense gratitude and a touch of denial. My situation was dire, as indicated by my oncologist advising me to be sure to spend my time doing what I loved most, with those I loved most.
Although my physical health and energy fluctuated, I was fortunate to handle the chemo quite well for the most part. Days and months were filled with daylong drives, picnicking in parks and at newfound favorite beaches, exploring quaint neighborhoods, and being completely mesmerized by the vibrant colors of our new city of gardens.
As a bonus, having only ever lived together as a blended family, we got to live as just a couple for the very first time. We turned the year of cancer into a holiday and honeymoon, and at the end of it we celebrated all that and a clean bill of health too.
Sometimes we find gifts in unexpected circumstances.