Who am I?

Upon my diagnosis with breast cancer, I knew immediately that I would most likely have to have a double mastectomy.  And sure enough that's what I was told and not just that but that I was told that I was not a candidate for reconstructive surgery.  So what did that mean to me?  To me it meant, there was a better chance of my surgeon being able to remove as much of the cancerous breast tissue as possible which meant a better chance of survival.  A better chance of a long life to be here to share about my Lord.

To further let you in on the feelings I've had since my diagnosis.  I've never thought much about not having breasts until now and to tell you the truth, I haven't thought that much about having the mastectomy since my diagnosis.  My breasts do not define me.  My HEART does.  If people are looking at my outer appearance and missing my heart, they are missing out on the real me.  I never thought twice about my surgeons decision for me not to have reconstruction surgery.  Even if it were an option, my decision would be to not have reconstructive surgery. 

While we are on the subject, let's talk about NO hair.  What if I have to have chemo and lose all my hair?  Here again, my hair does not define me.  My HEART does. 

All in all I look at it as just breasts and hair.  Who cares?  Neither one are my defining factors.  Will you, the person reading this, reject me if I dont' have breasts and hair?  Of course NOT.  But to answer the title question --- Who am I?  I am Gena, Mother to Bonnie and Alicia, Grammy to Madelyn and Braxton and any other little grandbabies that come along, sister to Pat and Marvin, Aunt to Justin, Travis, Lindsay and Krystyn, friend to many, co-worker to all my NWS family but most importantly --- I am God's child.  He loves me no matter what.  He sees beyond my breasts and hair, He sees my heart.  He loves me no matter what and He loves me just the way I am. 

So tonight I leave you with this ..... Tomorrow give an encouraging word to someone, you never know what someone is going through.  Pass out some smiles, give a homeless person a couple bucks, pay it forward at the fast food or Starbucks drive thru by paying the tab of the car behind you.  Listen to people when they talk and do not be thinking about what you're going to say as soon as they pause to catch a breath.  And when you do these things, look toward the Heavens and know that God, our awesome Father, has just smiled down on you.

Ephesians 4:32  ³² Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

It is well with my soul.