Happy New 2022!

It’s January 1, 2022 and just like 2021, we’re pinning a lot of hopes for a better year. Like many of you, I had a challenging 2021: a lot of friends and family members who passed away; there were many events I missed due to the surge in Coronavirus cases, and I struggle with an overactive donor who has invaded the wrong cells in my body.

I chose this image to start off 2022 because it shows how forlorn and challenged we may feel, but there is a hint of life with water still hanging on the brown leaves. If we wait and return to this maple tree, the leaves will turn red and flourish again.

Or maybe these leaves are shedding tears, emoting all the frustration, hurt and unpredictable moments in life that offers us no guarantees. We’ve been groomed to think nothing can go wrong and that we have control. If things are out of control, then we believe we can steer ourselves quickly back to our normal lives.

The last few years have shown that our paths are unpredictable and staying on that path is almost impossible. There are cuts and bruises that hit us along the way. We grow scar tissue over the wounds.

Reaching out to others is healing; notice the word “healing”, not “healed”. Healing is a process: you’re never done. Think of that as a positive movement in your life.

And remember to look beyond those dull colors and flat textures. Brown turns green; from dryness the drops will come. Trees have bark that can feel rough or smooth, leaves have veins, and flowers have layers of design and folds of petals.

And stay tuned to February 18, 2022, when I am eligible to meet my European stem cell donor after two years of remission.

I’ll keep you updated.

If he chooses not to meet, I accept his wish to remain anonymous. He’s already reached out, gifted me his precious cells and extended my life.