This past year has simultaneously been the best and worst of my life. The first half of the year saw me travelling the world. Starting off 2011 in Ecuador was the most amazing time of my life. I will never forget that experience and am forever grateful that Sope not only invited me over but enthusiastically babysat me the entire time I was there. I then found myself in Vancouver in February, also being welcomed by some amazing people. Erin welcomed me into her home and was able to show me everything Vancouver had to offer, with Ayman in for the ride. June found me in Halifax, where I learned the beauty of taking out some time for myself and the wonderful feeling of vacationing on my own (while at the same time collecting contacts for my research). June/July took me to Europe. London, Amsterdam, Belgium, Switzerland, Paris. Giving me the chance to spend some time with my family that I wouldn't really appreciate until now.
I met some amazing people during this time. People who would change my life for the better. I had some beautiful experiences with new groups of friends, and was able to hone some relationships while dropping others.
The first half of 2011 was amazing.
The second half was one of the most challenging times of my life.
I was so ready to call 2011 the Year of Travel for myself. But then September happened and suddenly it became the Year of Cancer.
The first week of September, my mother was diagnosed with lung cancer. Without knowing the severity, I took a leave of absence from school and dedicated myself to spending more time with her.
In November a good friend lost her fight with pancreatic cancer. It still breaks my heart to know that someone with so many aspirations, that had so much enthusiasm for life, and someone who was so personally inspiring to me is no longer around.
It also did little to help my morale, knowing that my mom might be on the same path.
My mom is strong, I love her and she is currently doing well. However knowing her time is limited weighs heavily on my conscience. Having an exact number put on someone's life is hard to accept and never easily forgotten.
So here's to 2012. I resolve to never take any time with my loved ones for granted. I resolve to live each day to it's fullest. I resolve to take Lindsay's memory with me wherever I go, to be inspired by her life.
I resolve to take time to be thankful for the experiences I have had in my life.
I resolve to express my love for my mom more often.
I resolve to be more positive.
It can only help.
