Picking up where we left off

When I was diagnosed with Papillary Thyroid Micro-carcinoma about the same time last year, I didn't know it came with pleasant surprises. I don't know if I'm just overly positive (as may username here on Hive suggests 😅) or what, but I do believe life is all about balance. If life feels off now, it won't last long; eventually, a silverlining will reveal itself.

I mentioned about a falling out with my first friend in college, who became the closest friend of mine as uni went by. Heavens knew how much I wanted to reach out to her to mend our strained relationship but I understood that her peace and sanity was the top priority. I let her be and moved on with my life keeping her in my thoughts and prayers. About 4 years later, it was awkward to find Janelle and another friend in my hospital room cheering me on with some fruits and balloons. I didn't want to break my hear further so I wasn't expecting a lot from that quick hospital visit. But lo and behold, about a month after my surgery, Janelle invited me to dinner. My heart melted; my eyes teared up. I couldn't believe it was finally happening.

Janelle is the kindest, most selfless and patient and most generous friend I have. Despite an entire month passing by, I hadn't fully recovered. My voice was hoarse and I end up voiceless after 15-minutes nonstop talking. To not make things worse, Janelle adjusted to me and said we could pick a restaurant that's nearer my house. We ended up dining at Ayame Japanese Restaurant at Paseo Banawa. We got some soup, sushi and dumpling. The restaurant was packed with customers; it wasn't conducive for two friends trying to fill in the gap. We transferred to an nearby café and spent the rest of the night there until closing time. We were catching up like we weren't apart for last four years. I guess that's how great friendship are, you might not be together all the time but once you sit side by side, the world outside doesn't matter. My voice tried to keep up! It cracked more than once but I survived the night! 😅

Some might think I'm just romanticizing the unbearable struggles I've surpassed last year but nonetheless, this mindset made a huge difference on how I combat daily ups and downs. If you look at the bigger picture, it might make sense. It did for me. The battles you're going through are not for nothing, surely something good will come out of it. You either realize it, find it or make it up. Who cares? It's all up to you! I choose to look at the brighter side while acknowledging the difficulties and respecting my body for what it went through.