I am blessed! Yesterday was the first day of classes at William Jessup University (www.jessup.edu) where I teach psychology. It was so wonderful to be on campus surrounded by an excited group of college students, to reconnect with faculty and staff, chat with students I have had in classes in the past, and meet my new students for this term. I love teaching and always look forward to the start of classes in the fall, but this year after a summer battling breast cancer, yesterday was especially sweet. I felt like me!
All summer I have been masquerading as a cancer patient, dutifully enduring tests, chemotherapy, doctor appointments that never end, and basically living someone else’s life. But I have so missed living my own. While I realize I am not quite finished with the cancer patient life, I am getting my life back in stages and it feels great!
While there is no good time to be diagnosed with cancer, I am thankful that my diagnosis occurred at the end of the spring semester. I have been able to devote my summer to fighting this disease and now when I am almost finished with chemo, it’s time to return to classes. How great is that?!?! I did continue to see clients this summer but I did not allow my caseload to increase as I normally do during my break from teaching. I know I needed the down time but now I embrace having fuller days doing what enjoy. My new students were incredibly gracious when their instructor walked in sporting a cap sans hair and I look forward to getting to know them over the next few months. Returning students have been so generous in thier offers to help me, in thier faithful prayers, and encouraging words. The faculty and staff all have surrounded me with love and support.
I still face surgery in October and the possibility of radiation after that but for now I will rejoice in being able to do what I love to do, surrounded by a wonderful college community. I am blessed!
“How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you.” Psalm 31:19
“I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness and I will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High” Psalm 7:17
ahealingpath 
Aug 31, 2012 @ 03:28:00
Erin!!
It was SOOOOO good to see you yesterday and be back in one of your classes! I’ve been looking forward to this class since I signed up for it!! I’m excited for the semester, too! I feel like this class is gonna change my life 🙂
Continuing to pray for you and our family!!
Love and hugs,
Jenayu
Sep 01, 2012 @ 16:37:35
Jenayu!!
It was GREAT to see you too! I am so glad you are taking another class with me. I hope you get alot from it. It’s one of my favorites to teach. Thank you for your faithful prayers.
Love & hugs,
Erin
Aug 31, 2012 @ 06:45:35
I am so glad that I am in your class at Jessup! I’m really looking forward to your teaching this semester. I am so happy that you are getting your life back step by step. I’ve been praying for you and your continued healing. Have a relaxing and fun weekend!
Sep 01, 2012 @ 16:38:51
Hi Elyse,
So glad I will get to know you this term. Thank you for your prayers!
Blessings on your weekend,
Erin
Aug 31, 2012 @ 13:34:22
You are doing great! Thanks for the positive energy my way as well – you can do it! Positive thoughts and prayers go a long way!
Sep 01, 2012 @ 16:40:22
Thanks Lauren! I am inspired and encouraged by you. I am praying for your continued healing.
Aug 31, 2012 @ 15:25:17
Erin, you may feel like you lost something this summer and are gradually getting it back, but your faith-filled Journey has given me (and many others) something quite special, as you have shared your confidence in the Lord. Thanks for modeling what trusting Jesus looks like. Praying that this semester be a blessed one for you and your students.
Sep 01, 2012 @ 16:43:15
David, Thank you for your warm and encouraging words. God is indeed faithful and has given me more than I could ever imagine this summer. Thank you for your prayers and I will be praying for you this term as well.
Aug 31, 2012 @ 15:37:39
Erin,
As I sat in our first chapel, only slightly behind you, it was that much sweeter for me as well! The beginning of school always feels like a fresh breath of air – a renewal of life. Seeing you, being able to lift my hands and sing with the Lord, to join with you and the thousand + students amazed me. Renewed life indeed! So thankful for where the Lord has brought you in His timing!
Leela
Sep 01, 2012 @ 16:45:58
Leela,
It was so great to see you at chapel. 🙂
God is good and has given each of us a gift in each other. Praying God’s blessings on you this semester!!
Aug 31, 2012 @ 16:50:40
Very happy to hear you are getting back into your routine. My oncologist was always encouraging me to keep active and stay in my routine as much as possible. But there are no words to explain when you are well enough to start to settle back into a normal routine. 😀 God’s blessing be yours as you settle back into your classes and continue to bless you with improving health and a cheerful heart.
Sep 01, 2012 @ 16:48:08
Patty,
Thanks so much for you comment. I know you understand my joy in returning to normal life. You inspire me.
Such a blessing!!!
Aug 31, 2012 @ 17:25:53
See, God heard you and switched the channel for you easily.:)
Sep 01, 2012 @ 16:48:38
YES!!! God is good 🙂
Aug 31, 2012 @ 19:30:43
Amen and Praise the Lord! You are an inspiration!
Sep 01, 2012 @ 16:49:49
Thanks Kris! Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. I just love your mom!! She is such a blessing to me.
Sep 01, 2012 @ 05:18:38
Thank you Erin for your witness and faithfulness to our Lord. I’m so glad to see you getting back to what you enjoy doing… Praise the Lord for the good things He has done!
Sep 01, 2012 @ 16:51:20
Thanks Wayne. Praise the Lord indeed! He is good and His love and mercy endures forever 🙂
Sep 16, 2012 @ 18:23:09
Thanks for stopping by my blog. Seems we are going through very similar things. I also work in a school and yes, although I’m not sure there is a good time to be going through treatment I was also glad to have a lot of it over the summer. It is good to sort of get back to a “normal” life and be back in a routine. Thankfully, neither of us is in it alone. God gives us the strength and grace we need and there is nothing like the body of Christ for support. Praying for you.
Sep 17, 2012 @ 04:11:15
Hi Sue,
Thanks for your comments and encouragement. Yes, I am so thankful for all God has given me in the midst of the battle. Thankful He is giving you strength and bringing you through also. I will continue to pray for you as you endure radiation.
Blessings, Erin