Where were you???

"Where do you see yourself in 5 years?"

     I had a manager ask me that in an interview once.  The whole time I thought "Well not here!" but never said that.  The reason it stands out so clearly, is because I looked back to when that question was asked.  I started to review the past few years- times and trials, ups and downs, you know: The whole enchilada.  That question was asked 8 years ago.  I'd rather not go back THAT far, but rather: "Where were you 5 years ago?"
     For me, 5 years ago, I was pregnant.  I was scared to death of being a mom.  Morning sickness was awful! (duh)  4 years ago, I was a new mom.  I was about to celebrate his first Halloween. We had endured quite a lot being new parents.  Watching our newborn son have whooping cough was no picnic either.  But by this time 4 years ago, those few months seemed like years!  3 years ago, I was trying to have another baby.  I became very discouraged that we had been trying for 2 months and no dice.  But God lets it happen when it's supposed to.  It was 3 months later that we found out we would be having another child!  This time 2 years ago, we were about to celebrate Lane's first Halloween.  3 months before that time, we were finding out why Graham was having internal bleeding.  Those few months seemed like years as well.
     One year ago, I found a lump on my left breast.  I remember that this day, to Halloween, we were terrified.  Nick and I were barely speaking; not because we were fighting, but because any time we spoke to one another it was about the lump.  I remember we went out one night and all I did the whole time was cry and Nick said "I don't want to think about it.  Because if it comes back as something, this may be the happiest that we are for a while."  I didn't feel happy- thinking of the unknown future.  As it turns out, it was dense breast tissue.
   After that, you know the rest.  But here's a summary:  9 months ago, I found out my mom was BRCA2 positive and that Lane could not hear.  8 months ago, Lane got tubes, my mom was about to have surgery, and I found out that I was BRCA2 positive.  6 months ago, I was interviewing surgeons and fighting w/ our insurance company.  And finally, 3 months ago, I had my surgery.
     Whew!  That's quite a load!  I would've never thought 5 years ago, that I- we- would go through so much.  So here's the question:  Where were you 5 years ago?  Here's the $64,000.00 question:  Are you better for it? 
     Robert Frost poems aside- I am.  I have two beautiful boys that love me like no one ever will (and vise versa).  I have a husband who is my best friend; who has stayed true to his wedding vows word for word.  I have an amazing family and support system because of all of these things that have transpired in the past 5 years.  I have a wonderful relationship w/ God. 
     These defining moments don't define YOU; they mold you.  All these things taught me something about myself.  I hope that all of you are better for it. :) STAY TUNED...