... My friend, who has been cancer free for five years, shared some entertaining sayings she had gleaned which helped her laugh and stay positive. I hope they put a smile on your face regardless of your health situation.

… Inside every older person is a younger version – wondering, what happened to me?

… I refuse to think of them as chin hair. I think of them as stray eyebrows.

… Thirty-five is when you finally get your head together and your body starts falling apart.

… Inside of me lives a skinny woman crying to get out. But, I was able to shut her up with cookies.

… I’m not going to vacuum until Sears makes one you can ride on. (Roseanne Barr)

… Nobody can make you feel inferior without your permission. (Eleanor Roosevelt)

… When life hands you lemons, make lemonade and invite me over.

These were just a few of her less serious findings. Illness, for some, seems to strike without warning or indicators. One day you feel a curious lump, find a dubious spot or have a routine doctor’s appointment where a test reveals something needs attention. If it is a serious situation, your life begins a new adventure holding many side roads with huge bumps and pot holes to navigate.

Friends, faith and the best medical care you can receive are the prescriptions for traveling the road of illness. When my friend was struggling with a low period, it was the regular and consistent cards, emails, notes of encouragement and prayers which encouraged her through each day. Her strength gradually returned helped by her positive attitude; and now we celebrate.

May your day be filled with healthy check-ups, caring friends, a positive attitude and a good sense of humor.