"Milestones or Moments"

Celebrations are important both on a personal and a cultural level. In our modern world, many have gotten away from taking the time to celebrate---to take a break from working for a while and share a day with friends and family, which will become a cherished memory. If your family isn’t accustomed to noting milestones, help them start. One of my daughters helped our family learn that personal milestones need to be recognized. When I finished chemo, she threw a party to celebrate my progress.  It turned out to be an opportunity to process what I’d been enduring and bring everyone closer through meaningful sharing. Then months later, after surgery and a PET scan which showed no cancer, she threw me a “victory” party. At first, I thought all this attention was a bit silly—but no. The family won’t always have me with them, so they will be glad they paused to enjoy each other’s company at more than a couple holidays a year. My daughter called the party a “Celebration of Life,” without realizing the title is often given to an event in place of a funeral. I didn’t point it out since I reasoned that a real “celebration of life” is best when one still is alive to join in!

If the tone is celebratory, every day can be a celebration of simply family or life! My large family was more traditional than some who let family members drift toward the TV with a dinner plate. So, in a way we “celebrated” daily with dinner. At least it had the elements of a celebration—it was repeated at a set time; it appreciated something (the cook and the food); and it was a shared experience. If dessert was included, all the better.

Since being diagnosed with cancer often causes us to recognize anew the preciousness of life, we may want to celebrate more than the milestones, such as a successful surgery. We may want to celebrate just being alive! Yes, milestones are significant and worthy of a gathering of family or friends. But after my chemo and surgery, I like to find something to celebrate each day. Even if I’m alone, I can celebrate by treating myself to that purchase I’ve been eyeing. It is fun to search for things to rejoice in, and it is rewarding to discover them. In a way, this extreme appreciation for life is a “gift” cancer has given me

For examples, this week I celebrated that I took my walk each day; I learned a new word (laze); my grandson hit the winning run in; and I found a comfortable blouse I actually liked. Sure, they could be thought of as the little things. But what makes up a treasure chest? Each little pearl and coin! Hopefully, you can at least celebrate the goodness of the Lord if nothing else. This verse seems so fitting. Psalm 145:7 “They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.”

Reflection:

Would you like to search for “moments” to celebrate each day?

If you feel well enough, would you like to organize a celebration of God’s goodness or of simply being alive?