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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: CALENDAR (10/20/16)
Dear Older Me

“Dear younger me…” Michelle sang the words by Mercy Me playing on the radio as she made her way home after another long day at work.

The rain pelted against her windshield as the red and yellow leaves swirled gently down from the maple trees lining the roads to her house. October. Never quite sure what weather it will bring. Sometimes beautiful summery days; sometimes cool wet days. But always the reminder of Breast Cancer Awareness.

October being designated as the month for raising international awareness of breast cancer. There was no escaping the attempts of people everywhere to bring light to the importance of exams to help save lives. Pink ribbons circle around words of Hope, Courage, Strength, Survivor, In Memory of, Cure and Research everywhere you turn.

The words to the song continued, “If I could tell you everything that I have learned so far.” Suddenly Michelle stopped singing with the song as the words sparked a different thought tonight.

"What would I tell the younger me?"

Michelle’s eyes moistened as they often did at this time of the year. It would be eleven years ago come December that she herself heard those three scary words: You have cancer. Since then, there have been times when the constant reminders of this terrible disease, make her want to stay home wrapped in a blanket and wait out October. As if avoiding one month on the calendar would make her battle with cancer be forgotten.

"Hmmm… I don’t know that I would really want to tell the younger me that one day you will have cancer."

Michelle’s mind raced back to that day in the doctor’s office when he looked her straight in the eye and said: “The biopsy didn’t turn out quite how we had hoped. You have cancer.”

The months that turned into years of fighting and recovering from the disease. The fear for her family. The support of her family, friends and doctors. The time lost; the life gained. The pain; the blessings.

There were so many things she learned about herself and others through the course of this disease. Truths she had to admit like she wasn’t in control of her life. Forced to depend on others she would find genuine peace in acknowledging that God is truly in control of her every day.

Placing her hands firmly on the steering wheel, Michelle spoke out loud to her empty car: "No, I don’t think I would tell myself. What would I gain by worrying when it would strike? Instead, I think it is time to write a letter to the “older me.”

“Dear older me,

Here we are years after you were diagnosed with breast cancer. Tell me, did you take the lessons you learned from that experience and do all you imagined you would with them?

Remember your zest for living after your doctor proclaimed you “cancer free?” The joy in your heart as you realized God had brought you through a deadly disease. The thankfulness you felt for surviving?

Do you recall the simple things that made you thankful? Realizing you could do so many things you have wanted to: Sing, dance, write and learn! That God hadn’t given up on you. He gave you an extension on life and gave you back your hair!

Remember the thoughts that filled your heart when you fully absorbed the reality of life continuing – have you done those things? Have you let yourself be used for God’s glory?

Dear Older me, please don’t take this as a note meant to invoke guilt in yourself. Instead, consider this an encouraging reminder that God always has a plan for us. We may not accomplish what we desire, but if we seek God daily and truly make ourselves available to Him; He will use us for His purposes in His way.

Aren’t you glad I haven’t told you about some of the things you’ll encounter in life? That’s because the best way to live your life is to face each new day by seeking Him and being available to be used by Him. Let His love shine through you in all circumstances.

Now, get on with your day!

For you, with love from,
The “younger me”

Michelle caught a glimpse of her smile in the rearview mirror as she pulled into her driveway. Thank you Lord that you use even songs on the radio to help me remember the lessons you have taught me and the blessings you provide daily.
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This article has been read 517 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Jan Ackerson
10/28/16
This is well-written, with good pacing.

I encourage you to be more specific in the incidents you portray. Instead of mentioning the support of family and friends, for example, write about a specific veggie lasagna or the time when someone gave her tickets to see a comedy movie. There were other spots where you could have done similar 'specific-izing.'

I look forward to reading more from you here.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
10/28/16
I think this is quite brilliant. I can relate in a different way because August reminds me of my mom's premature death. I spend so much time mourning her, even though years have passed. Sure this could use a bit of tweaking, but I think you did a grand job of writing on topic, not only the month, but the years that have fluttered away, the discarded calendars are much like the discarded hopes and dreams. You have a great message here.
Joy Bach 
10/28/16
Very creative. And I understood the the concept you were striving for, having just completed a cancer journey with my husband who passed away one year ago. Keep up the good work.
Larry Whittington
10/31/16
I like the thoughts and ideas found in the letter to the older me. I take this to be a true account of a situation but I would not just apply it to those who have gone through a similar situation. Each one of us has a younger me and an older me. Whether we are old or young we should be yielding ourselves to God's work. If we are alive, GOD IS NOT THROUGH WITH US YET. Age may change what we are able to do physically but not what God is able to do through us and we don't know what God wants to do through us until we live through those days he wants it done.

I like your well expressed personal story and its encouragement.
Sherry Brock
10/31/16
A unique take on this topic that drew me in from the first sentence. My own mother just recently battled cancer, and I saw her in many of the points of your article. I'm sure this will resonate with many readers whose lives were changed due to cancer. Thanks for sharing.
Lea Austin
10/31/16
I thoroughly enjoyed your well-written piece. Your descriptive writing made me feel like I was riding along with you. Great job!