Birthday Wishes
Thank you so much for all of the birthday wishes. Today was hard, but it was also a gift, and feeling loved has made all the difference.
This year started on a roller coaster. A few weeks ago, I found out that my first professional book will be published next month. The very next day, I found out that I have invasive breast cancer. I've cried, felt angry, and struggled with waiting to get test results and doctor appointments.
Through it all, my husband, Khalid, has been my rock when I need stability, the hug when I need comfort, an ear when I need to talk things through - even though I know he's hurting, too. When I look at him, his eyes tell me, "We've got this!" We're determined to come out of this stronger than we were when it started.
I've also been amazed by the love and support we've received from the family and friends we've shared the news with thus far. I've felt so loved and so blessed that I'm committed to being a more loving person myself moving forward.
This birthday instead of a wish list, I have a grateful list:
1. For family and friends and friends who are family, who have prayed for me and loved me and reminded me of my strength when it was hard for me to remember
2. For my son and daughter who are healthy, kind, and the brilliant stars in my life
3. That my cancer is treatable, and that I live in a city with some of the best hospitals in the world
4. That even while I felt like my professional life was going to need to pause, new doors have continued to keep opening
5. For all of the survivors I've spoken to, who have shared their stories, advice, recipes, and optimism and entertained all of my questions with honesty and compassion
My 43rd year isn't what I thought it would be, but all of the love I've felt gives me faith that it'll be beyond what I could have ever imagined.