The word “normal” is no longer a word I use because life after breast cancer will never feel “normal.”

I am forever changed and I prefer okay.

From the way I walk (slower) to the length of the hair on my head (shorter), and how I feel each day (it varies by the hour).

Finding out I had breast cancer was one of those unthinkable experiences that quickly became my “reason” to serve others even more.

My life was never easy and I vowed to change that. I was often teased for my lazy eye and bifocals. Teased because my parents were in their early to mid- 60’s when they adopted me, both who are in heaven. I was often told nothing good would ever happen for me and I would end up a statistic — I proved them wrong.

Cancer quickly revealed to me who has always been for me and who was there for what I could do for them.

My “new okay” consists of not feeling bad when I leave work at 5 p.m. instead of 8 p.m. Work will still be there the next day.

My “new okay” consists of being selective with who I let disturb my peace — no one.

My “new okay” is being more aware of my aches and pains and not ignoring them, but tending to them.

Finally, my “new okay” is finally enjoying every waking moment God has allowed me to have and using me to be a vessel for the other six newly diagnosed breast cancer women who have come into my life.

I am “okay”– and I love every minute of it.