What brought you joy today?

Learning more about my (new to me) Ramírez classical guitar.

When I was diagnosed with stage-4 cancer in 2021, I didn't see the point of doing anything like buying a new musical instrument — I just wanted to get my affairs in order to make things easier for my family.

Now, as we approach 2025, I dare to dream of a future again, even if it's far from assured. If it turns out I'm wrong, I'll have to deal with that when it happens, but hope and joy are powerful medicine that I was denying myself at first.

Initially given short life expectancy with stage 4 Cancer. Couldn't look ahead to holiday's 1 month in future: Halloween, let alone Thanksgiving and Christmas.
2 years later still here. I am joyful and grateful for this time to be with my husband, family, friends.
I look ahead now. If cancer recurs, I pray for strength to deal with it. Now I make plans to do things, to live.

Being emotionally present for my son while we spoke about serious matters over the phone (long distance);
Reflecting on the wonderful day I had yesterday: breakfast with a recovery group in the morning, followed a couple of hours later by lunch (wife and I) with another couple. In the former, lots of catching up with old friends and associates; and in the latter, lots of laughs and lighthearted enjoyment of a wonderful meal.
Knowing that I don't have to impress anyone today, just be myself and be of service to others at the same time.
The prospect of getting ready to receive granddaughters on Wednesday (in 2 days time) when they arrive for a visit.
Meeting my commitments to others in a timely fashion.

Decorating the Christmas tree 🎄

Last night I went out for dinner with my extended family. Brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, long-time friends—20 of us in all. The restaurant had a large fireplace and it was snowing outside. It was beautiful and the first time we were all together since my
PC diagnosis. I laughed a lot, ate too much (appetite finally back) and thoroughly enjoyed myself. Wanted to sleep in this morning but the dog had other ideas. Threw snowballs at her and had fun watching her trying to figure out where they went.

My faith

That sounds wonderful! You're not just alive, but *living*.

15 minutes of playing the same scale repeatedly on my classical guitar until every note was as close to perfect as I could manage, and then gradually increasing the speed. It was very close to a pure meditation experience.

I've been learning keyboards but in some ways it's "cheating" because I have an Arturia Keylab and it can be set to play chords from just one key vs. having to learn the proper way. Need to force myself to learn and practice.

I also have Stage 4 PC and received a 2 year prognosis. Today for the first time I took a leap of faith and renewed my Sirius XM for 3 years. It felt so good to say "I don't care, I am going to beat the odds even if I can't win the war. I will not lay down." It felt great!