James Michael Sama looks back on the first year of his relationship, and although it hasn’t been all “sunshine and rainbows” it has changed and strengthened him immeasurably.
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If you had told me one year ago that I would be in a relationship with a girl who I had met at a Halloween party back in 2007, I probably wouldn’t have believed you. If you had told me that about 6 months into the relationship, she would’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer, I definitely wouldn’t have believed you.
Yet, here we are, still standing.
I’m writing this on our one year anniversary. It’s an anniversary that symbolizes more than just time together. It symbolizes strength, hope, and perseverance. And, it just happens to land during the time of year when we are all reminded to be thankful for what we have.
This year, I’m thankful that chemotherapy is behind us, and that Margot has remained strong, positive, witty, and funny – through the whole process. Surgery is next, and then radiation, and then—back to a normal life.
It certainly hasn’t all been sunshine and rainbows, and it definitely hasn’t been your normal first year in a relationship, but it has changed and strengthened us both. We make sure to enjoy the good times and to understand that the not-so-good times, are only temporary. I think that this is the key to maintaining sanity during extended challenges in life.
The fact that nobody can tell which photo(s) in this article were taken during Margot’s treatment, is a testament to how gracefully she has handled what devastates some peoples’ lives. We are thankful for her great attitude (and genetics) that has allowed this to happen.
Never give up hope, and never allow your circumstances to dictate your destiny. Live your life the way you decide to—it’s the only one you get.
Happy anniversary sweetcheeks.
This post originally appeared at jamesmsama.com
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Photo: Courtesy of James Sama