June 28, 2021, will be my 5-year milestone in recovering from acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and stem cell transplant. This transitional period has been hard with many twists and turns, all totally unexpected on my body and psyche. For the first time, my life revolved around the medical system as a patient rather than as a healthcare professional, and it is quite an eye-opener. During this 5 year stretch, my focus has been on recovery, i.e., managing the many complications from a new immune system transplant. Before leukemia and stem cell transplant, I didn’t understand the amount of energy (physical, mental, emotional), it takes to manage chronic conditions. I get it now…managing chronic disease states is hard work and it must be done on a daily basis.

That was then, this is now.

So how does one return to the practice of creating art? The last I painted anything was in 2011. And shortly after that, I went back into health care, working in clinical analytics, quality improvement, research, and program development. The past 5 years were a whirlwind of medical activity and learning how strong and resilient humans are.

I am not sure why I am starting this blog but am compelled so let’s see what the universe brings and shows me.

The words below are by Paul Coelho, and perfectly sum up my understanding of life.

I asked for strength…and God gave me difficulties to make me strong.

I asked for wisdom…and God gave me problems to solve.

I asked for prosperity…and God gave me brain and brawn to work.

I asked for courage…and God gave me danger to overcome.

I asked for love…and God gave me troubled people to help.

I asked for favours…and God gave me opportunities.

I received nothing I wanted…but I received everything I needed.

–Paul Coelho