All Clear -

All clear was the news my oncologist shared with me before he headed out for the weekend, and I believe his exact words were:

“Tom, your cells were clear!”

He went on to say that, the pathologist believes the radiologist who did the biopsy got a good representative sample of what was in the adrenal gland and even with subsequent testing, everything proved to be clear as well.

I was speechless with the news and alone at the time, but at least I was at home having just navigated some of the worst Friday traffic Georgia 400 could offer. I would soon have the opportunity to share the news with Shari, my stepsons, and our families without the interruptions that seem to be constant when I’m at the dealership.

If I’m completely honest and transparent, I had resigned myself to the fact this adrenal gland above my kidney would be anything but clear and the biopsy would confirm it. Everything pointed to those facts with what was going on in my leg and now the PET scan results all pointed to the cancer spreading.

While I was praying for good news, I was also reconciling myself to the fact that a new regime of chemotherapy would soon be starting and I would most likely be spending another four months in the chemo lounge.

My doctor added: “Tom after all you and Shari have been through these last six months, you guys need to do something fun this weekend…enjoy yourselves!”

“To which I laughed and replied, “oh we will, we’re having a garage sale Saturday and after that I have to work the rest of the day.”

Life goes on!

Life Goes On is more than a saying it’s an attitude.

Life Goes On as an attitude, forces you to engage and overcome, rather than withdraw and retreat.

Life Goes On as an attitude, allows your family and your friends to participate in your journey, which offers shelter and support on the days when you feel like life can’t go on.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Trials have a way of putting our lives in the spotlight for all to see.

Trials have a way of challenging out faith and what we believe.

Trials and our response have the potential to be the greatest testimony our lives can leave.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4

Having a life goes on attitude, while difficult at times, is how I believe God wants us to navigate the trials in our lives, regardless of if they are the result of our own poor judgement or if they come due to circumstances beyond our control. The moment we choose to stop looking inward for solutions and start looking upward for God to guide our steps is the point where our dependence on Him allows for spiritual growth and maturity.

My most heartfelt thanks to one and all for your prayers!

~Tom

trusting God period!

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