Sunday, May 1, 2011

The Road and Destroying Asteroids


It is ever-changing. It is unpredictable. What you expect to happen, may not happen, and what may happen, may be unexpected. It is long, but also short. It is straight, but full of twists and turns.

I could not navigate this road without my support group and those who I have met along the way. These are my friends, my family, my loved ones, and my coaches. They are also my competitors, my students, and my “heroes”.

They inspire me, now more than ever.

Ironically, with the exception of the last sentence, I wrote the above a few months ago, at the start of the CrossFit Open competition. It was going to be a post on workout inspiration, but now, is appropriate for my journey ahead. It is an unpredictable roller coaster ride that I am buckling in for, and ready to go. It is also a road that I could not navigate without my support group and those who I have met along the way. Again, these are my friends, my family, my loved ones, and my coaches. They are also my competitors, my students, and my “heroes”. They are also now the doctors and nurses I interact with.

I am ready to battle, fight, and take this on. I am ready for the road ahead. This week it starts. Treatments. I can’t say that I am not afraid, because it is the unknown, like the road, which provides for a certain amount of fear. And there will be bumps, but there are always bumps, and that is normal. But bumps are just that, bumps. So, although I have some fear, I also have perspective. Treatments are designed to ensure, get rid of, eliminate, and kill any remaining bad cells. And these are all good things. Very good things.



I liken it to Asteroids, the old arcade game in which the fighter ship destroyed all the asteroids before the asteroids destroyed the fighter ship. I played this game a lot growing up, and it will be in my mind during the treatments. I am the fighter ship and I will be annihilating asteroids.

I saw this quote the other day, and it really makes sense.

“Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain.” It’s time I learned to dance. I’ve always felt I’ve done so, but now I need to be consistent about it. I want to dance and I need to dance.

And with the love and support of my family, friends, and those who have crossed my path and inspired me in some way, I will traverse the road, destroy the asteroids, and emerge on the other side stronger, healthier, and thankful.

I am deeply touched by those of you in my life and in the lives of those I love. I am grateful and deeply moved.

7 comments:

GRAY MATTERS GIRL said...

What an amazing journal. I like the asteroids comparison. This is a scary journey but with all those around you who love you cheering you along and lifting you when your to tired or weak you will get through this. I will be along side cheering all of you. Just think each day is one day closer to the last day of treatment and putting this brain tumor stuff behind you. KEEP ON KEEPING ON big hugs! your brain buddie Lanette

Hilarie said...

Lauriel, you continue to inspire us all. You can also think of your treatment as Ms. Pacman, with each step forward gobbling up any remaining bad cells. Either way I am certain you will pretty much kick it's scrawny ass to the curb.
Love Keith and Hilarie

John C said...

Lauriel, we are sending positive thoughts as you begin this phase of your treatment. As your Dad said "kick ass & take names".... Love, John & Dianne

Lauriel said...

Thank you all so much :-)

Unknown said...

Thank you for sharing. I wish you the best of luck in your journey. Sending positive thoughts and energy.

Angie said...

Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. You are so strong and such an inspiration!

Nicki said...

Lauriel, I really feel inspired by reading your blogs... hang in there.