Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Transformation



In many cultures and religious traditions butterflies have significance as a symbol of transformation, transition, and even of the soul. Egg, to larvae, coccoon, and finally the butterfly emerges. So many stages and so like our own human lives as we travel from birth through childhood. We become young adults and finally we reach our older years. Physical transitions, emotional transition, and even spiritual transition as we are transformed through all of these stages.

I've been thinking a lot about transformation and transition lately. I think when you are diagnosed with cancer it is only natural to do this. I'm quite visual in my thinking so it was only natural for me to turn that thinking into simple bronze butterflies. Although now that I look at them might be more like cabbage moths. But never mind, they all go through the same transformation.

My surgery is tomorrow. I will go through a physical transformation that will take time to adjust to. But the biggest transformation seems to be emotional and spiritual. I have my ups and downs. In fact, I had a very bad down just the other day. I have fears. But mostly, I feel more connected to the gift of each day. I feel an even deeper connection to my partner and to my children. If it is possible I may even love them more. I feel a deep need to embrace life, to celebrate life, to spend time appreciating small moments of the day. I feel a need to express gratitude for the many blessings in my life. To express that gratitude loudly and with bells ringing.

Many of you know me only from this blog but yet you have reached out and shown compassion and friendship. I am deeply grateful.

38 comments:

Courtney Breul said...

Sending you lots of good thoughts!

Marie Cramp said...

You are in my daily prayers! Best of luck on your surgery! We are all cheering for you <3 You will make it through and recover!! If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask!

Love and warm healing hugs

Marie

Cyndi J said...

Sending positive vibes your way for tomorrow and the rest of this difficult journey. You will survive this and be stronger than ever before.

Beverly Herman said...

LeAnn you will be in my thoughts and prayers tomorrow and as you recover from the surgery.
Love and hugs,
Bev

Cynthia said...

Best of luck tomorrow with your surgery. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

lunedreams said...

I am sending earnest wishes for strength and wholeness to you for your surgery tomorrow! I am envisioning the cancer leaving your body under the surgeon's hand, and your body coming to your aid in healing. I am glad for you that you are surrounded by loving family to accompany you through this journey. Your blog friends will be thinking of you!

Babs said...

I'm sending my best wishes for a successful outcome and a quick recovery. I'll be thinking about you tomorrow

Cindy said...

We are here for you, rooting for you, sending our best wishes, and our prayers.... will be thinking of you tomorrow as you face your surgery. I know you will be in the best of care both at the hospital and at home recuperating. Sending a great big hug to you!

Patty said...

I'll be cheering for you from the West Coast tomorrow!! You will emerge from this stage as a beautiful butterfly.

Barbara Lewis said...

I'm praying for you. Please let us know how things go ... if you feel up to it.

DeborahRead.com said...

Keeping you in my thoughts
I like Patty's comment about Butterfly's
You will emerge as a new person with a positive outlook towards life

Barb Fernald said...

LeAnn, I'll be thinking of you from Maine tomorrow.

I plan to carry one of your little bird beads in my pocket all day to keep you in mind, and to remind me to pray for skillful surgeons and a comfortable recovery for you.

You will be held in the thoughts of many friends.
xoxo

Lesley said...

Wishing you luck and strength LeAnn.

My Life Under the Bus said...

Love and only good vibes your way XOXOXO You will certainly emrge better then before!

Lori Anderson said...

Know my love is with you -- take that necklace with you!

windrock studio said...

Hey LeAnn, love your butterflies.
Wishing you all the best, dear one.

Kim said...

I am sending you good vibes and healing energy and wishing you all the best.

somethingunique said...

Oh LeAnn I will be thinking of you tomorrow and everyday...sending prayer and healing thoughts your way...it's so nice to be back on line and blogging again...I have missed your blog so much...just know we are all keeping you in our thoughts...stay strong...{{{hugs}}} xox Lana...

sharon said...

My virtual hug is on it's way, and I continue to send prayers. You are an amazing woman, and now is the time for you, to feel your inner strength, and to heal. Will be praying and thinking of you tomorrow, and sending all my love.

Colleen said...

I will hold you & your family in my heart & keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. Please feel the love and prayers of all of us out here - you are surrounded in light & healing love!

Marsha of Marsha Neal Studio said...

Will be holding thoughts of you close to me tomorrow! Prayers for everything to go as expected & for a recovery as swift as possible. Hugs to you dear friend!

adlinah said...

Sending you all my best wishes for a smooth, successful operation and a speedy recovery. I'll be pulling for you. Those butterflies are beautiful btw.

stregata said...

Praying for you, LeAnn, always.

Patti Vanderbloemen said...

I am praying for you today...sending you healing thoughts!

Laura Twiford said...

LeAnn, I am sending prayers up for you, for the wisdom and skill of the surgeon and staff, for your recovery and healing, both physical and emotional. Here it is leap day and you are taking a major leap of faith. I can completely understand your feelings right now to embrace life and loved ones and to proclaim the attitude of gratitude. Seems 2012 is full of that for a lot of us. Big healing hugs and love to you!

Izzy said...

Sending you healing light and much, much love during this transformation. As Patty said, you will emerge from this a beautiful butterfly. Not that you were a caterpillar before, you are beautiful always. (This is why I don't work for Hallmark). Seriously, you are in my thoughts. Much love.

Gardanne said...

I will be Sending positive thoughts your way. We are all here for you.

jessememan said...

Thinking of you today, LeAnn and sending you prayers and positive energy that your surgery will go smoothly and you will be on the mend before you know it.

Unknown said...

Hope all went well with your surgery today. Positive thoughts and hugs to you and your family.

TesoriTrovati said...

Sweet Miss LeAnn, you know that I am thinking of you every moment. You are a deeply soulful person whom I have come to love dearly, despite the virtual nature of our friendship. I am thinking of you. I am praying for you. I know that you will get through this, like that caterpillar undergoing a metamorphosis. You will rise stronger and clearer and more beautiful on the other side. Allow yourself time to rest and heal. Show your heart compassion. Much love to you!
Enjoy the day.
Erin

Mellisa said...

LeAnn, I'm sorry to hear you're going through this... I don't know how I missed your initial post about this difficult path you're about to embark on but I'm glad to have my chance to send you positive thoughts before your surgery.

momster said...

thinking of you, LeAnn

LynS said...

Just saw this. Thinking of you and hope all goes well with your surgery. Remember Mary Fehr went through a lot of the same things and came through okay and I'm sincerely hoping you will too. Sending healing thoughts your way,
Lyn Stoll

LynS said...

Just saw this. Thinking of you and hoping all goes well with your surgery. Remember Mary and Dennis F. and that she went through something similar and came through okay and I'm hoping you will too. Sending healing thoughts your way,
Lyn Stoll

LLYYNN - Lynn Davis said...

LeAnn - hold tight, life is elusive in what it sends and capricious. I'm thinking of you, wishing you well, holding you in my heart.
Lynn

Beth Hikes said...

Oh LeAnn, I didn't know this was going on for you. I hope the surgery went well and you are recovering. You've offered me so much these last couple years. The Buddha you gave me hangs from my bathroom mirror letting me know every morning life is okay. May you love yourself well today and always! xoxo Beth

Baking Beads in the Keys said...

LeAnn: So sorry to hear you are going through this. We are all sending positive healing energy your way.

CharmN Jewelry said...

I really feel touched by your concept of transition and the way you have depicted it with the butterfly.I wish you better health and love of your family more than anything.Charm Bracelets