Opinion
Have you ever said, “Whew! I’m glad this year is over?” I think that phrase has been uttered by most adults at one time or another. After a string of bad luck, medical crisis or financial meltdown, maybe you were relieved when that hateful year ended. Perhaps you lost a friend or a family member or maybe one of your parents died and you consider that whole year as a devastating loss in your own “Book of Life.”
I imagine you have also experienced wonderful years, filled with promotions and great grades, maybe a wedding or the birth of a new baby. That’s when you look forward to another year and hopes of more of the same grand events.
There are probably some years (more likely if you are middle age or past) that are not really memorable at all. Nothing spectacular occurred to fix that year in your mind good or bad enough to designate a year described as “good” or “bad”.
I have had cancer twice, but both times the treatment was excision, so was spared the more horrible treatment methods used to combat the disease.
One thing cancer breeds is the dread the disease will return. We survivors are continually beset by the knowledge we were lucky once or twice, but maybe three times is too many.
When my mammogram came back last month with “inconclusive results,” I was asked to reschedule for another look. That mammogram showed a “shadow” and the lab requested I return yet again for a sonogram.
As I sat in the cubicle, waiting for results, I remembered being in that dressing room before. There are many curtained “closets” for women to change from their street clothes to a gown, then wait for a technician to bring them the news. I recall hearing women sobbing and the out of control sensation that your entire life is suddenly in the hands of some unknown, unseen force.
After an interminable wait, I had the sonogram and the technician was able to see the “shadow”. It is a cyst, not a tumor and my relief was nearly embarrassing. I hugged this woman, whom I’d only just met and thanked her for her effort.
She was nearly in tears, too, as she said, “Last month, I told my husband I was thinking I should retire. I began this position as an x-ray technician and migrated to sonogram when they were first put to use in cancer detection. In November, nearly every procedure I administered showed cancer. I got into this field because I wanted to help, but I seldom have any good news to report.”
I went back, got dressed and as I stepped out, I was eager to get the heck out of there, but there was a young woman, seated in the “holding pen” quietly weeping. I sat down to ask her and she told me “I’ve had cancer once….”
Please take a few minutes to watch this video. I shared it with a friend who faced his own struggle with cancer, but it applies to all of us.
Recent Stories
The Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) announced that all its locations will remain closed today, Tuesday, January 7, 2025, citing “continued dangerous road conditions.”
This decision comes after the library had initially planned to open at 1 p.m. on Tuesday following a delayed start due to inclement weather. The announcement was first made on Monday, January 6, in response to winter storms that have left roads icy and treacherous throughout the region.
Residents are encouraged to check CRRL’s website and social media channels for updates regarding reopening plans. Library services, including online resources and virtual assistance, remain available for those looking to access books, learning tools, or other materials remotely.
Stafford County’s Board of Supervisors will hold its next meeting Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at 5 p.m. The meeting will be streamed live, and the agenda will be posted online.
Supervisor Monica Gary, Aquia District, confirmed the meeting is still being held despite the county government and schools closing for weather conditions.
Tonight’s meeting is primarily organizational, with the board set to elect a new chairman and vice-chairman. They will also review their proposed meeting schedule for the new year, and consider appointments to a number of committees and boards.
Stafford’s Board of Supervisors is comprised of seven elected representatives, who each represent a district in the county.
Meg Bohmke, the 2024 chair of the board, represents the Falmouth District. She moved from the county School Board to Board of Supervisors in 2014; her current term ends December 2025.
The Prince William Board of County Supervisors has approved an additional $472,000 in federal funding to advance the Ellicott Street Sidewalk Project, a critical initiative to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility in Occoquan. The funding comes through the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program, bringing the project closer to completion.
The project, which has evolved since its inception, will construct 675 feet of sidewalk along Ellicott Street, connecting Mill Street to Poplar Alley and extending toward Union Street. It also includes Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ramps and crossings to address accessibility concerns. The initiative aims to create a safer, more pedestrian-friendly connection between the town’s historic and business districts and the planned Occoquan Greenway trail.
“The Ellicott Street Sidewalk Project is one of several pedestrian improvement efforts we’ve pursued over the years,” said Occoquan Mayor Earnie Porta. “This specific project will create a safer, more contiguous connection to Mill Street and the town’s historic and business district.”
All Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) locations are scheduled to open at 1 p.m on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. This delayed opening is due to ongoing impacts from Winter Storm Blair. Library officials advise that opening times may be adjusted further if weather or road conditions worsen.
The CRRL serves residents in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Spotsylvania, and Westmoreland counties, offering various services beyond traditional book lending. The library system provides access to technology, community events, educational programs, and resources like homework help, job search tools, and genealogical research. Its facilities include multiple branches, mobile libraries, and digital collections that can be accessed online.
Patrons are encouraged to check the library’s website or social media channels for the most up-to-date information on hours and services.
Start 2024 on the right foot by prioritizing your mental health and well-being. At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand how challenging life can be—whether it’s managing stress from work, family dynamics, or navigating the complexities of the world around us. Our team is here to help you create balance and find the peace you deserve.
We’re offering a free 15-minute consultation to help you explore how therapy can work for you. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, looking for support, or just want to talk things through, this is the perfect opportunity to take that first step toward a healthier, happier you.
Scheduling is simple and convenient. Choose the option that works best for you:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra, this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
Featuring:
