1/25/2020 5 Comments 2 Years2 years y’all.
2 years since my world came to screeching halt, things became blurry, and I was asked to put my full and complete trust in a plan that I would not have chosen for myself. 2 years since I climbed out of my car and felt like I wasn’t going to have the strength to walk myself into my house. 2 years since my friends and family surrounded me with an overwhelming amount of support as they simply sat. & listened. & encouraged. they didn’t make it their job to bear my burden because they knew that God would handle that for me. 2 years of learning to tell others that having control and giving it away was going to be one of the biggest challenges of my life thus far. Believe me, there have been more times than I can count where I thought that I had things back in my control. I was wrong... 2 years of not having hair, or at least the hair that I thought I should have had. Let me just say, it is not easy being a 20 year old girl who has shaved her head twice. The long stares are present, the confused looks linger awkwardly, and the stages of hair growth are not all that fun. did I like being bald? yes, sometimes. did it get easier as time went along? yes, for sure. but, my hair was my most favorite thing about myself before I lost it the first time around. 2 years of WORKING ON (I say this because I don’t think I’ll ever have it fully figured out) learning that my outward image is not what defines me. 2 years of telling myself I look good in the mirror way more than telling myself otherwise because there is absolutely no point in speaking negatively toward ourselves when the opinions of the world are already out to get us. Cancer has taken a lot from my in the last 2 years. it has robbed me of some things that I may not even realize I’ve lost until later on in my life. cancer took my hair. cancer took my body, for a period of time. cancer has given everything it had to take my life and yet I’m still here. I am so appreciative of that last statement. I am undeserving of this life, as we all are, and I sit in awe of this heartbreaking plan that I was asked to be a part of. 2 years of learning the definition of the word brave. 2 years of being even more thankful for the life I have been given.
5 Comments
Martha
1/26/2020 06:11:13 am
Beautiful Words. Beautiful Lessons. Beautiful Rylie. Beautiful God.
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12/30/2020 05:52:46 am
You are so brave for sharing your story! I am sorry that you have to go through this, but I want you to know that you are amazing for fighting for your life. Cancer sucks. It takes away our chance to live a normal and happy life, but there is nothing we can do about it. We just have to put on a brave face and find the strength to fight for our lives because we are stronger than cancer and we will not let it control our lives.
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JH
1/27/2020 10:32:16 am
Wow, just wow! You're the definition of Brave Girl and in my prayers always. Hoping you are feeling better and have sent the C Monster packing for good. ENOUGH ALREADY!!! Your faith has impacted more people than you can imagine and I pray that God removes the obstacles of cancer so you can continue your life on a less challenging path. May you keep writing and reminding all that it is only through the grace of God that any of us take our next breath. My mantra in the 2 battles I fought with cancer was "Jesus lead me through!" and He did 15 years ago, 8 years ago and has blessed me with incredible health since. Praying for such blessings for you, Riley!
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Amanda Alexander
2/3/2020 02:13:17 pm
Rylie... You bless my heart in ways that you will never know! Also-- You are absolutely gorgeous with or without hair!
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P.D. Shabay
3/13/2020 09:56:59 pm
Rylie...every time I read one of your post, I am amazed by the maturity you show and the incredible faith you have in our Living God. You humble all of us by showing your strength and determination through the most difficult times. I will continue to pray for you with all of my heart. I know you will overcome all obstacles in your path.
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