happy life to me
September 1, 2011 | Just me
Today is my birthday. 52 years old.
Some people think you shouldn’t share your age. That it might make you look old. Except for that I love every day of life that I have been given. It’s a gift.
This is not only birthday, but it’s another important date. This month I celebrate 20 years as a breast cancer survivor.
Twenty years ago I sat in a hospital room with my young husband. I was mom to three little kids. I had no clue that the next sentence would completely alter my life, and that of my family.
“You have cancer and it’s mestasized,” they said.
I received survival odds from a high of 40% to a bleak low of 10% of surviving 5 years — after chemo, radiation, and two invasive life altering surgeries.
That’s why today is such a gift. I celebrate not just my birthday, but life!
I celebrate Elle and Luke (and sweet baby Jane who will arrive in November) –my beautiful grandbabies.
I celebrate Josh and Kristin and Stephen, my much-loved sons- and daughter-in-law.
I celebrate my children who were 8, 8 and 9 when I was diagnosed. I’ve seen Melissa grow into her role as mom to Luke, and as a new professor.
I’ve watched with pride as Ryan developed his love for encouraging teens to excel. I got to be there when he told me the news of baby Jane.
I’ve had the privilege of watching Leslie achieve her dreams to be a lawyer, and then set that dream aside for a season as she mothered Elle.
They are such cool human beings. I not only love them; I like them as people.
And then there’s Richard. I am grateful that I get to grow older with him. He’s the coolest man I know.
When I was sick with cancer I didn’t know if I would have tomorrow. Suddenly all the things that seemed so dang important diminished. When I looked at my then 8, 8 and 9 year old children, all I wanted was to be a part of their lives. Just to be mom, and wife, and Suzie.
So thank you for the crazy amount of birthday wishes I’m receiving on Facebook today. I am deeply grateful for each of you. Thank you for celebrating with me. ♥
From a deeply happy girl is just happy to be. . . 52.
Suzie
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What an inspiring story, thank you for sharing it! Happy Birthday and wishes for many more!
September 1st, 2011 at 4:38 pmThank you for sharing this! Such a beautiful perspective. And, of course, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
September 1st, 2011 at 5:07 pmThank you for your beautiful words. This is truly a great outlook on life… each day is a gift given by our heavenly Father… we don’t know whether we take our next breath, so live each breath as it is your last! LOVE IT!
September 1st, 2011 at 5:35 pmThis really puts our worries about getting older into perspective, Suzie. Many more years of life and love to you!!
September 1st, 2011 at 6:03 pmCongratulations!!!!! That is so wonderful and SUCH an encouragement to me. I am 4 weeks into treatment for follicular lymphoma. It’s not only a physical battle, but an emotional and spiritual one as well. Thank you for sharing your story of survival and THRIVING for 20 years! So happy for you and your family!!
September 1st, 2011 at 7:34 pmThank you for sharing!! Sept. 1, 2010 I had a double mastectomy for stage 1 breast cancer. Sept. 1, 2011 my son got engaged!! God has given us beauty for ashes! I am so grateful for my loving and faithful God!!
September 1st, 2011 at 11:10 pmHappy Birthday, you are a wonderful inspiration!! God’s blessings!!
September 2nd, 2011 at 8:20 amSuzie–
September 2nd, 2011 at 10:40 amHappy Birthday! You so would have loved my grandmother. You two share the same take on life. Thank you for sharing with us and for recalling her joy of life for me.
–SueBE
Happy Birthday, Suzie! Thank you for your inspirational thoughts and encouragment!
September 2nd, 2011 at 1:08 pmGeralyn
I’m late. So happy for you. My sister is 56 today the 2nd. Enjoy every day you are gifted my friend. You are indeed a blessing.
September 2nd, 2011 at 9:54 pmSo happy for you! First of all, you look stunning. And second, congratulations on the cancer! God is so good!
September 4th, 2011 at 2:14 pmHappy Birthday & Happy 20th+++!!! Love you very much, Suzie. You are an inspiration. I love your courage. May God continue to bless you. Sending you the BIGGEST Hugs in Christ.
September 5th, 2011 at 6:41 amHappy birthday! Your prayers for my struggling family come at the right time and bring me to tears. But thats Gods timing for ya! We still are jobless and possibly facing homelessness but your story today reminded me of whats important in life. Thanks so much for being an inspiration to so many. God bless you. And please keep praying for us.
September 5th, 2011 at 6:31 pmWhen a woman loves a man, even if he has derailed many times, can not help but forgive him.
September 13th, 2011 at 6:07 am