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“Life loves the person who dares to live it” – Maya Angelou.

My birthday is extra special to me this year and it is because of you — well most of you anyway — my readers.

It is one year ago that I started writing for the Gonzales Inquirer and in my first column I did write about celebrating birthdays and at the same time celebrating the “right now” moments in life. I wrote about the “what if’s” and going for it, even though I didn’t have a happy ending to a small part of my story, I still had not regretted taking the chance either.

My bucket list is shorter and sometimes a new adventure or desire makes its debut in fresh ink. I still look forward to jumping out of a perfectly working airplane and falling in love with my first grandchild. I still remember the days of my youth in the 1980’s and the soundtrack that plays in my mind that consists of Bon Jovi, Prince, Journey and Alabama. I go back in a moment when I smell a pot of pinto beans on the stove, nobody made beans like my mama, but at the same time, I still dream of the future and what awaits me in her secrets folds of time. Writing my thoughts, experiences and beliefs every week has been a great milestone for me.

My other milestone of being in remission still is marked and celebrated in little ways each and every month. "When we can no longer change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves." - Viktor Frankl. Cancer has a way of letting you believe it is in charge of your life and how it will allow you to live it; don’t believe it. Cancer will define you if you allow it and cause you to lose interest in the things you once loved and lose sight of your hopes and dreams. Cancer brings fear and it is important try to let go of fear and all of the "what if's".

Living every moment and learning to focus on positive thoughts will help put you in a place of hope and optimism. Do I still have fear? Yes, but the fear is overpowered by me following my dreams and telling my story.

I want to show that I will not allow cancer to take any more of my life than it already had to. I am Lorrie Grogg, single, mother of two beautiful young women, fan of the Dallas Cowboys since 1972, artist, writer and celebrating turning 51. Oh yeah, also celebrating 20 months in remission! What I want for my birthday is simple; a slice of chocolate cake, sunflowers, and join a few friends for an ice cold drink while enjoying some good music. I’m not over the hill but I’m definitely on top of it and the view is outstanding!

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