Four Seasons of Winter

“This year’s felt like four seasons of winter . . . “

I was out running errands when I heard those song lyrics on the radio. The temperature outside was typical for mid-March in the Shenandoah Valley, upper 30’s along with 40 mph wind gusts. The next day was expected to be in the mid 60’s. Even though we’ve come to expect this roller-coaster weather, we always look forward to flipping the calendar to April. There are times though when it certainly feels like four seasons of winter!

But this post is not about the weather. In three days we will reach the one year milestone marking the beginning of Neil’s cancer journey.  Looking back at my calendar and recalling all that has transpired over the past 12 months, I marvel at how far we have come. It is truly by the grace of God that my husband not only survived the grueling chemotherapy and stem cell transplant, but is in remission.

Spring Thaw

Neil’s four seasons of winter are over, along with the lingering side effects of cancer treatment. Always cold, he shivered his way through January and February, and is ready to shed the extra layers of clothing and head out into the warm sunshine. Hickory Grove’s garden beds are waiting, and the chicken coop is ready for its first residents. It’s time to embrace life once again.

This journey has taught us both what is important in life, and we are different people than we were on March 25, 2022. On Saturday we will give gratitude and quietly celebrate our survival together through four endless seasons of winter. Neil’s only request is to enjoy two of his favorite pastimes — wandering through antique shops and spending time with family. I will gladly tag along!