Everyone has Cancer

Dear Family and Friends:

As I'm sure you all know, this past year has been a really tough one for me and my family. I will be the first to admit, I have not been handling my trials very gracefully. That's probably why I am having to face them over and over. You think I'd learn! I wish I could proudly say I have fought like a champ, stayed positive and strong, relied on my Savior, and handled it all with grace and dignity. However, I am embarrassed and sad to say I have been quite the opposite. I have acted in ways I am so ashamed of I can't even mention them. Made some choices that will forever haunt me, and done damage to relationships I really hope time, love, and forgiveness can repair.

As I have been trying to focus on the good and REALLY TRY HARD to learn and grow from each trial, I have been praying for a way to turn all this into something positive. I have felt really impressed to capture everything I have learned and all my experiences...and am quickly finding that not only do I have quite the book on my hands...but quite a lot I still need to learn and work on.

One thing I have learned though is that I'm not the only one struggling, not the only one hurting, not the only one trying, and not the only one that had to fight cancer. EVERYONE HAS CANCER sometime in their life. Everyone has some horrible thing they have to fight that could destroy their life if they let it or don't get the proper treatment. I have learned just how important it is to not be judgemental and to truly love everyone. You never know what they are going through. And it's hard to say how you would TRULY act in a situation UNTIL you are actually the one in it.

So I just wanted to let you all know how much I love you. I haven't always been the best friend, sister, daughter, cousin, niece, etc., and I hope you can forgive me. I have been extremely self-centered and am realizing now that it is pretty lonely when all you ever care about is yourself.

I am still doing a lot of research (and growing) and would love your help, advice, and input. It seems the more I have talked to people about the struggles in their lives (or the "cancer" they have faced), there are definite patterns and similarities regardless of what "type" of "cancer" you may be fighting. I would love to hear your experiences, thoughts, and the "treatment" you use...books you have read, anything. I know this is an extremely personal thing, so don't feel obligated. I just have A LOT of wonderful family and friends whom I would love to become more like. :) I would love to hear from you! Shoot me an email (cosperfamily@hotmail.com), give me a call (801)628-8827, or let's go to lunch/hang out sometime and talk about it.

I am so blessed to know such wonderful people!

LOVES TO ALL!!!