The Middle of the Stream

Every story has a beginning. That is, we choose to tell a story starting from some specific point in time, even though it's likely that the variables leading up to the creation of that story are rooted further back.

It has never been clear to me where the origins of this story lie. I definitely remember days when it became very clear to me that something was wrong with my breathing, but choosing an actual "starting spot" is difficult; especially now, more then ten years later.

In 2015, I started writing Race Sherpa Rises, which became a real-time walk through my cancer experience. The investigation in to my breathing issue was how the cancer discovery was made; and once the CT brought the seriousness of it all in to focus, the breathing issue (appropriately) got put on the back burner. 

As I come up on eight years post cancer surgery, my breathing issue has been a primary focus. In reality, it has always had a primary place in my life story because of how it has impacted me; physically, mentally, and emotionally.

The answer to the question of "why start writing about it now?" is one of resolution. I mean, sure, in the last ten years I thought there were numerous times when I might be on the verge of a solution. But this time feels different. Certain variables have been eliminated, and others have come in to clarity. And rather than write about the disease and treatment process, like in Race Sherpa Rises, I wanted to capture the solution and recovery process. 

Additionally, a friend of mine recently encouraged me to write about it, saying "I'm sure there are other people out there who have an issue like this, too." If so, perhaps something in here will be useful to them as they navigate through their own journey.

So here we are. Day One.

I will get in to the history and the details soon, but I needed to put the intention and effort out in to the Universe first. Even though I am still standing in the middle of the stream of this story, this is the place I am starting...confident that the story will write itself as it all unfolds.