While cleaning out my file folders (definitely not on my passionate to-do list), I came across an essay written by my son, Jonathan, when he was 9-years-old; I had just been diagnosed with cancer. That boy is now a man--he will be 20-years-old this summer and is a freshman at Grove City College and doing wonderfully. But as I read through the essay I was reminded how significantly my diagnosis had affected him. He writes, "Because of my mom's cancer, I have been able to handle many changes in my life. Also, I have learned how to handle unexpected situations. These things have given me strength for today and for my future. I will always remember what happened on March 21, 1996." Great words of wisdom from a young child! Both of my sons have gone on to excel in all their endeavors, but more importantly through their tragedy, pain, and loss--they have discovered their passions! Jon is passionate about snowboarding and Jeremy is passionate about rock climbing--extreme sports--testing the limits. I find that we do two things with pain: either bury it or become more passionate about life because of it. The choice is always ours. I'm not passionate about organizing files, but I received an extra gift today. This month on March 21, 2006, I will be celebrating 10 years of "cancer survivorship" and living life passionately. Life is a gift--open the file folders of your life and begin to do the things you've always wanted to do--start making a list, but don't file it away! For more about "Living Life Passioantely" check out my story in the God Allows U-Turns for Women book that just came out by Bethany House Publishers.