To say this has been a crazy time in my life is a serious understatement. It has been full of extreme highs and lows.Subtle moments spent hovering right in the middle and a few dangling right over the edge, But, each of these moments have been mercy-filled because there has been a lesson in each one. My dad has end stage leukemia and has been placed in hospice care in his home. What an out of body experience that has been for me. He has been fighting prostate cancer, MDS and this now new diagnosis of leukemia for about 7 years. With each diagnosis, my dad has faced each with such bravery and grace, that has really taught me about how to really enjoy life and not let the "small stuff" weigh you down. Because if you do, the big stuff will totally destroy you. because of this, I was able to sit with my dad and help him write out his obituary. I felt honored that he asked to do this for him.
A very good friend of mine was diagnosed with breast cancer and I didn't feel afraid or sad for her. I was concerned, but the sound of her voice when she told me the news, was so calm and relaxed that I knew she would be fine. That hasn't stopped me from keeping her in my prayers every night though. She reminded to make sure I got my mammogram(which I had been putting off for years). Her cancer was found very early and I am so thankful for that.She just finished her radiation and now has to take medication for 5 years to make sure the cancer doesn't return. She has faced this challenge with exuberant optimism and I learned that I need to take better care of my body and do what I can to make sure I can continue to be here for my family.
On the flip side, I have also had the most awesome experiences lately. I was chosen as a spokesperson for Tyson Grilled and Ready Chicken. They have an upcoming Facebook promotion called 30 days, 30 Ways, 30 rewards. And, I am one of their "facebook faces". I was flown out to New York, taken to a wonderful restaurant, stayed in a really nice hotel, had hair and makeup done and a photo shoot. It was an incredible experience and I felt really blessed to have that opportunity. I learned that the dreams God has for us truly are often bigger than the ones we have for ourselves. I am going to use this blessing to eat better, get fit and keep working towards my goals.
And last but not least, I have mentioned before that I work on occasion as an extra for movies and TV shows. Well, I have had the pleasure of being a "regular extra" on the new NBC show, Chicago Fire. I have worked about 6 times this year and each time has been such an invaluable learning experience to me. I get to be in scenes with seasoned actors and watch them do their thing. It blows my mind sometimes when I realize that I am really there. I have worked as a background artist for 13 years, but this particular job really is such a blessing to me. I was on set just the other day and I was almost moved to tears because I felt like, WOW! This was something I was dreaming about just a year ago and now it is happening. I may not have a speaking role or my SAG card yet, but I am thankful to have what I have. I even got a surprise hug from one of the main actors! Now, if THAT wasn't a dream come true I don't know what was. I learned that when you feel like quitting because it isn't going as fast as you hoped it would, WAIT! We have to allow things to take place in God's time not ours. I almost gave up being an extra because I wanted something bigger and I felt like my dreams would never come true. So glad I didn't give it up, because I believe that I am just where I am supposed to be at this moment. Don't know what tomorrow will bring, but it will always bring a lesson. Maybe the lesson is gratitude, patience or just knowing that you are part of a bigger picture. Whatever the lessons, I await the next one.
Peace and Love ♥
