It’s the holiday I celebrate – but whatever it is that you celebrate, I hope this time of year brings you joy, reflection, and a renewed energy for the year ahead.
Like many others, this time of year always makes me reflect on the past year and plan and prepare for the year ahead.
One of the many things I’ve learned in my role as a pediatric oncologist is that life is not perfect. Bad things will continue to happen. Maybe it will happen to you or maybe it will happen to someone you know. Most of the time we don’t have a choice in the matter. They just happen. Maybe it’s cancer or maybe it’s something completely different.
Whatever that thing is that happens to you that you have absolutely no control over – it does not have to define you.
These things are not a reflection of the type of person you are or how you’ve lived your life. I don’t understand why these things happen to anyone. They just do and I agree it doesn’t seem fair. I do understand why these things make people question every aspect of their lives as they knew it. These things are hard.
Each family I meet is enduring something terrible. Many of them have signs and symptoms of PTSD after it’s all said and done.
Yet, in all of this hardship I have witnessed: faith beyond measure, generosity without limits, strength beyond reason, grace under pressure, and above all things, gratitude for the life we are given.
My families have taught me to seek beauty in everyday life, marvel at the intersection of faith and science, and truly show me that each day is worth living. I will try to do something good with each day I have left – because of them.
I wish you all a happy holiday and blessed season.
