I’m the kind of person who remembers anniversaries—not just the happy ones, but the ones that mark life’s challenges and turning points. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been this way. These dates help me reflect, appreciate, and stay grounded. They remind me not to take life for granted, to hold close the memories of loved ones, and to carry lessons from the past as I move forward.
One such date for me is January 24th. It’s etched into my memory as the day I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I call it my personal “pink ribbon day.” Each year, I honour it by doing or wearing something pink—a small gesture to celebrate life, to be thankful I’m still here. Because being here, living another day, is not something I take for granted.
It’s been 14 years since I heard the words no one ever wants to hear: “I’m sorry, but you have breast cancer.” Those words came at the darkest time of my life. Just months earlier, I had separated from my husband. Anyone who has been through the breakdown of a marriage knows how profoundly isolating and painful that season can be. I remember sleepless nights, feeling utterly alone, crying out to God to spare my life.
When my oncologist told me he suspected the cancer had spread to my brain, all hope left me. I broke in a way that is still difficult to put into words. Those days of desperation, anguish, and loneliness are forever etched in my mind, so vivid that I feel like I could reach out and touch them. It was the darkest season of my life, a time when living felt impossible, yet not living felt unthinkable.
And yet, here I am, 14 years later, living a life that has been filled with both heartbreak and beauty. Looking back, I can see what I would have missed if I hadn’t made it through. The birth of my grandchildren, trips to my beloved Finland, precious moments with my family—these are the treasures of my life, moments that remind me how rich and colourful life can be, even when it’s hard.
Life has been far from perfect. There have been other devastating events, times of struggle and loss. But there have also been moments of overwhelming joy and love, moments that make it all worthwhile. Every day I wake up, I’m reminded that life is a gift. It isn’t always easy, but it is always precious.
So, on this my pink ribbon day, I pause to reflect and give thanks. I honour those whose lives have been cut short by breast cancer. I don’t know why I was one of the fortunate ones whose cancer was caught early, but I do know this: I will not take a single day for granted. Life, in all its messiness and beauty, is still the most wonderful gift of all, a gift to be treasured.
Throughout it all, my faith in God has been my anchor. I called out to Him in my despair, and slowly, one step at a time, He led me out of the shadows and into the light. I am deeply grateful to God for the strength He gave me to endure, for the hope He planted in my heart, and for the countless blessings He has poured into my life since those days. Without Him, I wouldn’t be here, cherishing each new day and the beauty it holds.
My story wasn’t over yet, and I’d like to believe that every step of my journey—past, present, and still to come—holds a purpose beyond what I understand.
Apples of Gold 
This touched my heart. Happy pink ribbon day. What a beautiful tribute to faith and using tests in life to be a testimony. I can relate in every way! God bless you!! 💕
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Thank you so much for your comment!! It means a lot to me! God bless you too!
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You’re welcome! Thank you, too! ❣️🙏🏼
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It was in the night through the storms of my life where God proved His love for me.
The anchor holds.
Through it all, the anchor holds.
Through, will always be the story, of our God whose power and mercy, never fails to take us through.
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Yes!!
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So grateful…Yes, indeed! And yes, you have a purpose and sometimes, it feels so elusive, but it is there. I love this poem although it doesn’t mention the joys that we have along the way:
The Way It Is
There’s a thread you follow. It goes among things that change. But it doesn’t change. People wonder about what you are pursuing. You have to explain about the thread. But it is hard for others to see. While you hold it you can’t get lost. Tragedies happen; people get hurt or die; and you suffer and get old. Nothing you do can stop time’s unfolding. You don’t ever let go of the thread.
~ William Stafford ~
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Thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words.
You’re absolutely right—our purpose can sometimes feel elusive, like trying to hold onto something just out of reach.
But I love the reminder in this poem that there’s always a thread to hold onto, even through life’s changes and tragedies.
And while it doesn’t mention the joys, I believe they’re woven into the thread, giving it colour and richness along the way.
It’s a lovely perspective to hold onto, and I truly appreciate you sharing it with me!
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Thanks so much!
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Incredible Janna!!!!!
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Thank you!
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Kiitos rohkaisevista sanoistasi. Toivotan sinulle edelleen voimia, iloa, terveyttä ja vahvaa uskoa Vapahtajaamme. Erica
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Kiitos, Erica!
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Dear Jaana. You share your stories with raw honesty and written so clearly ; that touches my heart. Sim
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Thank you so much for your encouragement, Sim!!
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I just want to add something which I tend to forget. There is truth in what I am saying and yet, there is also the sense we never fully know our true purpose and so as humans, we live in the tension in between, which is a kind of dissatisfaction. We often try not to be dissatisfied, but therein lies the difficulty because we fill our lives up too quickly with what we think will satisfy us and it never does. Just thoughts…
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Good thoughts!
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