Recently, I had a good scare during my annual physical exam. My doctor took a look at a skin spot on my chest and said, "that looks like cancer we'll need to send you to a specialist."

Now given my medical history as a uterine cancer survivor, I am DEFINITELY not immune to the C-word. In fact, just dealing with the possibilities all over again was enough to make fear roar in my ears.

Thankfully, I just saw the Advanced Dermatologist and he reassured me that my funky spot was "precancerous" only. With a nifty, simple procedure called cryosurgery, he sprayed liquid nitrogen to freeze and kill any abnormal cells.
~~~~~~~~~

STRUGGLING WITH ADVERSITY...
"The greatest object in the universe . . . is a good man struggling with adversity; yet, there is a still greater, which is the good man that comes to relieve it." ~ Oliver Goldsmith

Of course, being from Hawaii, I have been exposed to strong sun rays most of my life. With my fair skin, I have on more than one occasion been teased as "shark bait," a not-so-kind local Hawaiian reference to my white legs. I have spent way too many hours oiled and greased in the sun, a victim of vanity AND ignorance.

Now I know so much better: I'm too fair, I'll never be golden brown. And sun screen is essential any time I'm out in the sun. (It took me long enough to wise up!) With sunny days here to celebrate, I tell everyone: "Don't forget the sun screen!"
~~~~~~~~~

FABRIC OF LOVE
"A spiritually optimistic point of view holds that the universe is woven out of a fabric of love. Everything that is happening is ultimately for the good if we're willing to face it head-on and use our adversities for soul growth." ~ Joan Borysenko, Ph.D., Handbook for the Soul

Over and over again I have learned that adversity provides the opportunity for soul growth. Entertainer Danny Thomas comes to mind as someone who transformed a "good scare" into a wonderful gift to the world--Memphis, Tennessee's St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Thomas founded St. Jude's after a promise he made at a low point in his life. Today the Center has become a cutting-edge research facility that has helped over 20,000 children from over 60 foreign countries.

Adversity can do wonders for the soul just as a good scare can reaffirm the wonders of being alive. If you are faced with challenges in your life, hang in there... There's hope around the corner...And the chance to transform your challenge into a world of good.

Here's wishing you all good things,

Visit: Cancer Fighters | 9 Tips for Sun Protection | Survival Quotations