Amusement parks are one of my favorite places in the world. I love going around, riding the rides and enjoying the fun and excitement of the roller coasters. No matter the size, the roller coasters are always geared up to be thrillers. Its all a part of the fun. Its always fun being in the line, preparing yourself as you listen to the screams of fear and excitement of the others on the ride.

But nothing can prepare you for the roller coaster we call life. It can be unpredictable. Its unique to you. Even though everyone is on a different ride, one of the best things we can do is share our stories in hope that it helps others. Here's mine.

My Was

Around this time last year I was in college, preparing to graduate in May. I was searching for something, not sure what but I found this person…a person who lived almost three hours away…a person who I had never met and I will be honest, wasn’t even sure if he was real. But there was something interesting about this guy that made me interested.

The holidays pasted and I was preparing for Graduation in a few short months. Still no idea what to do with my career or my life goals. But I did know I was going to be doing it without wisdom teeth. I had surgery to lose four teeth, no big deal. Then a short month later had to be cut open to remove a cyst from my chest due to how painful it was. The same day I was cut open, my father was having knee surgery. All just a part of life. But health wise, everything else was fine.

My car was not behaving and I ended up having to get a whole new AC unit in the car AND a new ignition.

On top of the regular stress of life, my shortly approaching graduation was greatly affecting my level of stress. I still had no plans. Knowing that, I took my whole spring break to stay in OKC and find a job for after graduation. And it worked. By the end of the week, I had accepted a job and was making plans to move to the OKC area.

My Is

Currently I am living in the OKC area. I have enjoyed it so far, but it has been a big adjustment from living in my home state, and hometown. Not being around my friends and family is defiantly difficult.

I am not working at the job I moved here for, that ended. I am currently working a better job that I love more and am really excited about the potential for growth that exists.

I am still with that crazy boy I met last November and things couldn’t be much better. I feel so lucky to have a guy like him by my side.

My car is fine now, but has been in two car accidents and completely shut off because the fuel cut-off switch got flipped randomly. I was without a car for three days, working full time.. in a city where I didn’t have a ride or any kind of alternative transportation.

My health has been great, in fact since the move I have lost 20 pounds! But, that isn’t the case for all of my family…

Life’s Ugly Curve-ball

I am not sure, but I am 99 percent positive that when someone goes to see a doctor and they are running tests, the fear that the diagnosis will include the word “cancer” is something that many people struggle with. In our case, that fear became a reality. In July of 2016, my dad was diagnosed with cancer, words I was hoping I would never have to hear or say. One month later he had surgery to remove the large tumor from his neck, along with a part of his tongue, and over 20 of his lymph-nodes. He was then given a drain in his neck and spent the next 36 hours in ICU. Once he got moved to a private room, he was only able to stay three days due to insurance only agreeing to three days. After being home for seven days, his neck became extremely infected and his staples burst open. He had to have the drain reinserted in his neck. He had that for three more days, then once it was removed, he had a half-dollar sized hole in his neck that had to be packed three times a day with gauze. This process was not easy to hear about, and I'm sure it was worse for my mom and dad who had to live it every single day. Six weeks later, he began looking forward to treatment. Oct. 6th he began Radiation and Chemo in Houston. As of now he has finished his treatments and is waiting to go back in to find out if it was all worth it. I promise you this, you can learn about cancer and hear the stories, but until you have to be up close and personal with it you have not learned anything yet.

My Will Be

I would like to say I know what my future holds, but if this last year has shown me anything, its that the only person who truly knows what my future holds is my lord and savior Jesus Christ. This is all a part of grander plan and story. So when it comes to me, I will graciously and patiently wait to be told what my future is because I am not sure I want to know it right now. Always remember, no matter what happens or where your life may take you, fasten your seat-belts, hold on tight, and try and enjoy the roller coaster of life.