Ether 6:8-11

• The wind never did cease to blow toward the promised land.
• They did sing praises unto the lord.
• No monsters of the sea could break them.
• And thus they were driven forth 344 days upon the water.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer on March 19th 2014. I had my last radiation treatment on January 19th, 2015 - roughly 300 days later. This was my voyage across the deep.

Every person who has had the diagnosis of a life-threatening disease knows what it is to face the unknown - the darkness of not knowing, of fear, of disbelief. But it is not just disease. In 2020 it may be loss of homes to flood and fire or loss of jobs due to Covid 19. Countless people around the globe in 2020 have learned how quickly life can be turned upside down, the darkness of despair upon us.

Like the brother of Jared we must find a light to guide our way. We need winds to push us forward. We need the spiritual strength to fight the monsters of depression and despair. We need to find beauty and joy in each day and be thankful for those daily gifts.

Such was my journey. My light came in a priesthood blessing - and infusion of hope that lighted my path.

The wind pushing me forward was my family. They came to love and support me through those long weeks of chemo. They gave me something to look forward to - a treasured vision visit with my children - one at a time. And of course there was Lynn, my constant and faithful friend and companion, my devoted husband who served my every need. All this love kept me going.

My life slowed down considerably. Chemo was tough on my body. I spent hours and meditation and prayer. I learned to visualize healing and to enjoy moments of just "being". I practiced daily affirmations - my life became a storehouse of such affirmations. The Lord was with me and I knew it.

There was so much to be thankful for. Each day was more precious than I had ever imagined life to be. Cards, emails, text, phone calls, flowers. My life was filled with daily gifts of love.

We are in another difficult time today.  This pandemic has reminded us not to take life for granted. Each day is a gift.

This time family cannot come so time via zoom or phone or text has to make do. We all miss the hugs! Oh, do we miss them! Did we ever appreciate how much they really meant in our lives? I think not. It took a pandemic to make us see.

The lack of togetherness, the isolation, puts us in danger of the duel monsters of depression and despair. More than ever before daily prayer and meditation have been needed. I count on that time daily to boost me and prepare me for another day.

And each day that comes is a blessing which I treasure. I have such a rich life with so much to do and to love. Lynn and I know how much we have been given and are filled with gratitude to the Lord!