Ramblings and rants from an OVCA survivor...

I had the wonderful opportunity to get together with my some of my favorite women today, fellow OVCA survivors. I almost didn't make it, as procrastination has become a real enemy of mine. I've known about this lunch for weeks, yet without failure, I insist on waiting to the last minute to get ready. I'm glad I made it. Being in such good company makes this disease a lot easier to handle. We're all in various stages with our journey, which can be both good and bad. Good because there's always someone to draw strength or seek advice from. Bad because, you always wonder, am I next? Every ache and pain brings forth so many concerns that most people don't have. In addition to trying to get back to normal, us survivors spend a lot of time trying to outrun that big bad monster, "RECURRENCE". Recurrence means that you begin the fight all over again and whether it's with additional surgeries or treatment, you've got to be ready to fight the good fight.

I heard about the passing of two wonderful women today, I'm praying for the families of those women. I want their families to know that I won't stop speaking and screaming from the top of my lungs about this ridiculous disease that does not discriminate...

Let's get this health care situation right. Whatever your political preference, know that you or someone you love may find themselves in a position one day where their well being or survival could depend on what kind of coverage is offered to those who are under insured. Personally, I don't care if you raise my taxes...if it means that my neighbor will be okay, have at it! My major concern with the health care reform is that it is user friendly. Meaning, everyone will know how to access it and use it with out a 52 page map. If it's not user friendly, why bother?

Man In the Mirror...

I spent some quality time this morning with MJ, you know him... the gloved one. I've heard "Man in the Mirror" about a million times and I know that some of Mike's lyrics are pretty profound, yet this morning I couldn't get enough of it... Sometimes we get so caught up in the grand gestures that people seem to respond so well to, we fail to realize that everything in life starts with baby steps. We've got to be the change we want to see...It starts at home, it starts with the man in the mirror.

"Man In The Mirror"
I'm Gonna Make A Change,For Once In My Life
It's Gonna Feel Real Good,Gonna Make A DifferenceGonna Make It Right . . .
As I, Turn Up The Collar On MyFavourite Winter Coat
This Wind Is Blowin' My Mind
I See The Kids In The Street,With Not Enough To EatWho Am I, To Be Blind?
Pretending Not To SeeTheir Needs
A Summer's Disregard,A Broken Bottle TopAnd A One Man's Soul
They Follow Each Other OnThe Wind Ya' Know'Cause They Got NowhereTo Go
That's Why I Want You To Know
I'm Starting With The Man In The Mirror
I'm Asking Him To ChangeHis Ways
And No Message Could Have Been Any Clearer
If You Wanna Make The WorldA Better Place(If You Wanna Make TheWorld A Better Place)Take A Look At Yourself, AndThen Make A Change
I've Been A Victim Of A Selfish Kind Of Love
It's Time That I Realize
That There Are Some With NoHome, Not A Nickel To Loan
Could It Be Really Me,Pretending That They're Not Alone?
A Willow Deeply Scarred,Somebody's Broken Heart And A Washed-Out Dream(Washed-Out Dream)
They Follow The Pattern OfThe Wind, Ya' See Cause They Got No PlaceTo Be
That's Why I'm Starting With Me

Lauren Taylor McGowan

Mom & Lauren Taylor

Truth be told, I didn't know how I would feel. I love my best friend, so if the universe was aligned(as we'd all like it to be), I would with-out question love her newborn baby girl as well.

I've made peace with my journey, but like any woman who's had their right to bear children taken away from them, there are times when I still can't understand how I got to this place. Sure, I joined the cancer club, kicking and screaming the whole way as most people do, but how I got there is no longer the issue. It's how do I work through and process everything that comes along with this not so cheap membership.

INTRODUCING...Lauren Taylor

My best friend isn't the first person to have a baby in my immediate circle and odds are she won't be the last. Does that make it an easier pill to swallow? Some days it does, some days it doesn't. But such is life and I have a GOOD life. I'm here, alive and well. Things get better every day and when in doubt I'm reminded of how much worst things could be and that for me is really what keeps me moving.

My newest angel, Lauren Taylor McGowan made her debut on August 8th 2009. Her middle name is an ode to me, as my full name is Kia Riddick-Taylor. I'm honored that Tasha and her husband Joe wanted their daughter to have a piece of me to carry with her throughout life. I'm super glad that my married name is universal name. It works as a first, middle, and last name equally great. I LOVE the fact that there's is a new baby in my life that I can spoil and love(without the around o'clock feedings and diaper changes). The jury reached it's verdict pretty fast on this one ...I'm DEFINITELY in love as it should be:)

Dad & Lauren Taylor