Reflection.

Every year, we look back at our accomplishments. What goals we achieved and what we learned from the events of that year. At least I do.

Every New Year's Eve I find myself thinking about not just the previous year, but my entire life.

Sometimes I wonder if Cancer shaped me. Possibly made me the person I am today?

The realization of life lessons that we all got because of my mom's diagnosis.

What Cancer did, from the day of diagnosis. My dad made it his mission to take chances in business and sacrifice his time for hard work. To ensure that we took those family vacations to Greece, England, Florida, California, Las Vegas and more.

To ensure my mom didn't have to work and could afford her time to put on events and fundraisers to educate cancer prevention and early detection. To gain back time lost working so hard and get to know his daughters again. But most of all to teach us what it truly is to stand by the love of your life, until death parts.

Cancer did that.

For my sisters and I to never argue over the usual things siblings would argue over. When one of us is sad or lonely, the other two o us will call. Ensuring that not one week goes by without getting together. Having each other's backs in every situation. Understanding that the bond you have with siblings is one that can never be broken by anyone or anything.

Cancer did that.

The want and need to spread good cheer all year long. Loving and supporting the community you live in. Wanting to leave a positive legacy in life.

Cancer did that.

With hard work and dedication, now able to purchase all the finer things in life, but not wanting or needing them.

Cancer did that.

I wonder. If we never experienced the heartache, emotions and loss that Cancer brought to the family, would we be the same people we are today?

I reflect on this every year for the last 21 years since mom passed.

Every year, I believe that everything happens for a reason, and the reason is to teach us lessons.

It's the lessons that need reflection. Take the "bad" situation, pull the lesson from it, and reflect.

Cancer did that too.