Sparkle

I hope everyone reading this has something to be thankful for today.

I’ve decided to start my blog today.  This is one thing I am thankful for today — having the courage to share my story and myself with the world.  I’ll be putting my story in my next blog post.  But, I wanted my first blog post to be a very positive one and an introduction of my personality to the world.

My nickname is Sparkle.  I was given this name as a very young child by my Aunt Karen and it stuck.  The story goes that my Aunt was coming through town unexpectedly and stopped by to say hello to my mother. However, my parents were out and the babysitter answered the door.  After a long, intense conversation and a phone call, the babysitter allowed my Aunt into the house just to see her two nieces and one nephew sleeping in our beds.  You need to know that my Aunt and my mom could pass for twins, they look so much alike.  Anyway, she snuck in for a peek and we were all sleeping.  Apparently, the chatter woke me up but I didn’t say a word.  My eyes glistened and I held open my arms to give her a huge hug!  She melted into my arms.  She said I “Sparkled”.  The name stuck and I’ve sparkled ever since.

The most favorite way my Aunt Karen has used this nickname was in relationship to my upcoming marriage.  She pulled my fiancé and I aside and told him if I ever lost my “Sparkle”, she would hold him personally responsible and come after him.  She made sure he knew she expected me to continue to “sparkle” for my entire life and it was his responsibility to make sure I stayed “me”.

Well, that certainly has been a challenge sometimes.  However, through all of this cancer, I’ve somehow remained “me”.  In my experience, I’ve noticed most people become more them throughout their cancer experience.  If they were a selfish person before, they become more selfish.  If they were a positive person, they remain or become more positive, etc.  I’d love to hear your experiences on this subject.  Feel free to email or comment with your experiences, thoughts and feelings.

Wishing everyone a wonderful and thankful day,

Angel (Sparkle)