Where do I even begin?
I experienced so many difficult moments for most of 2025 and into the beginning months of 2026. Rejection, strife, hardship, and challenges tumbled into my daily life – day in and day out – for 10 months straight with no relief in sight. There was just so much happening that I couldn’t process, couldn’t reflect, couldn’t even write about. I felt like I was treading water, trying desperately to stay afloat – to keep myself from drowning as I lifted my little family up above the waves – supporting them as I could not do for myself.
I survived, but not without some emotional scarring. Some lessons were learned, but mostly, I was left in the aftermath of it all, asking myself Why?. There isn’t always an explanation as to why bad things happen to good people. There aren’t always lessons learned from the strife. There is just the test of perseverance. I know I passed. SISU ran rampant in my blood this past year. I never gave up, even if I broke down a few times, I still kept on moving forward, kept treading water. I sliced through the murkiness in hopes to bask in the light.
The month of April was my turning point. A beacon of light guided me to the shore, and from that moment onward, I was picking up the pieces of my shattered self. This turning point was impactful for me. I felt a renewed sense of hope; and I also witnessed a lightness in my husband and my son. There was a definite shift within our home life. I witnessed change not just for myself, but also in my son. I saw positive growth and renewed confidence in him, and a sparkle that was missing these past two years. Finally, I felt that our little family was back on track and back in stride. What changed?
We faced our challenges head on. We didn’t back down, we didn’t give in. We had the fortitude to accept help when needed, and we opened our hearts to the love and support of family and friends. Even in our toughest moments, we held onto our faith. We held on to each other.
And what was the icing to my cake? The recent news that my mammogram results showed no evidence of malignancy, and my annual blood work was normal. This means that I have surpassed my 11th cancerversary with quiet grace and a peaceful heart.
Happier, wiser, and stronger, I am moving forward with a lightness to my step.
Picking up the Pieces. Published by Crystal Joy Hall
Featured Image by Kağan Karatay
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