Sunshine does a body good

Sunshine does a body good. We needed that extra dose of solar power this weekend to re-energize us and give us a fresh outlook on life. Peeling back the grey cloud cover, we discover why exactly they call Seattle the Emerald City. Sunday was glorious as we enjoyed a fantastic Father's Day BBQ at my dad's house in Puyallup and then had a second al fresco dinner at Winston's dad's house later. His stepmom, Pedie, presented us with an amazing meal and we were not in want that day of good food and great company. It was also my brother Zhivago's 33rd birthday. We grilled jumbo prawns, chicken, pork ribs and steaks, ate cheesecake and banana cream pie. We don't mess around when we picnic at my dad's house. I'm not allowed to eat some of that anymore since it can be hard on my GI tract while undergoing treatment. But it was some small consolation to stand there and inhale lungfuls of delicious, meaty aroma. My kids, half-sister, nephew and nieces ran amok under the sun, played happily on the play set and found simple joy in rolling around in the grass. I found a moment to be grateful that they were all born healthy and continue to be so in their childhood-- just so that they can enjoy days like this without having to discover yet what cancer is.

My dad has had time to adjust to my diagnosis and tells me that he's hopeful instead of oppressed by the knowledge of my illness. It was strange to be discussing my poor health with him instead of the other way around. He himself suffers from Type II diabetes and he described to me how he ignored or misinterpreted early signs and symptoms too. By the time my mom saw a doctor, her tumor proved aggressive and had metastasized eventually to her other organs. Good health is sometimes taken for granted, and we all feel the routine and drudgery of everyday life at times. But we experience an epiphany when we realize that even the mundane aspects of our daily lives can actually be welcome again in light of a tragic diagnosis. I've spoken to many cancer survivors and friends who are experiencing cancer through a close family member. My sincere and earnest hope is that those fighting this disease will triumph and get well again, and that those who still have their good health will do everything they can by choice to preserve it. These choices include quitting an unhealthy habit, eating better, going to their annuals and getting screened, and becoming aware and responsible when your body is talking to you. It's all part of living responsibly and early detection.

And although the sunshine is a rare gift this season, that too, must be enjoyed in moderation. Sunshine does a body good, but only if we break out the SPF 30.......