A happy distraction during a terrible time

I have two very scary doctor appointments on Monday that have me a little more than terrified. First, I will be meeting an endocrinologist for my hormones, then I will be meeting a surgeon who specializes in thyroid removal. Hopefully, at that point, I will have some answers and a surgery date, so that I can start the path of healing.

I've spent most of this weekend worrying. I know it doesn't help, but there's nothing I can do about it. I'm hesitant to book a flight home to visit my family in the summer because I can't help but think, 'What if I can't fly then? What I will undergo surgery at that time?' This not knowing has also made it hard for Mark to know when to schedule his first visit to Vancouver – when your time together is precious, the last thing we'll want to do is lay around the apartment for a week.

But I've had something great to look forward to. Recently, I wrote for YorkU Magazine for their "Back Talk" column, usually reserved for writers. For writers! Apparently, I now fall into that column. It is officially in print, on paper, that I can hold, and I know that Chatelaine.com is the reason I was able to have that moment.

Almost a year ago, Chatelaine.com agreed to the idea of my blog "Under Fire", and now here I am. This blog has has been my journal during a very difficult year in my life. And now I have an article in print. Somehow, I developed a writing career. The kindness of the Chatelaine.com editors and their willingness to take a chance with some unknown military officer is the reason that I'm here, in Vancouver, chasing my dream of working with books. They gave me the confidence to believe I was good enough and eventually, the courage to start my own editing and writing business, my certificate in publishing, and to pursue my internship. This blog made me realize that writing has always been my passion and, that for too long, I had ignored it.

Thank you Chatelaine.com. You'll never know what a difference you made in my life.

Kelly