Happy Holidays!

A couple weeks ago I was getting up in the morning and I passed out twice. I needed a blood transfusion, it was all fine I was just mostly bored because it took 8 hours. Even though that whole time I was low on blood and didn't feel good, I totally convinced myself that I was fine. It was only a couple of months ago that I realized that it's okay to cry, it's okay to feel sad and angry, and it's okay to feel inferior and vulnerable. Most importantly, it's okay and necessary to move on.

I went to a concert last Thursday and I had a wonderful time. As you all probably know, Christmas is Friday and although I'm "Dreaming of a White Christmas" I probably won't be getting one. Also, my birthday is on Sunday! I'm excited for it.

Most of all, I wanted to thank the girl scout troupe at my brothers school for making me a beautiful blanket and my school for still supporting me. I also wanted to say thank you to everyone that has given me something this Christmas and everyday this year whether it was a material gift or just thinking about me that day. Thank you for showing what Christmas is all about; giving. Thank you for showing what life is all about; love. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Love, Daniela

This video will make you smile!

I just adored this video and it put a smile on my face!

Everything!

I have a lot to say... so get ready! =)

Let's start off with the basics, tomorrow is one full year from my diagnosis. It really feels like just yesterday that I was sitting in the hospital, waiting to hear what my MRI readings were. Today, I was reading my posts from July, reminding me that I have come such a long way. Reading those posts, I remembered when I couldn't talk, move my legs, things like that. If you look at me now, I am still a long way from 100% but, I know a few months from now I will be thinking of how much more I've accomplished. In July, I made a post called "Time?". In that post I included a quote that I want you all to remember.

"Time is like a river... you cannot touch the same water twice, because the flow that has passed will never pass again. Enjoy every moment of life." - Unknown

That quote is very dear to me. But, there are moments for joking and then there are moment to be serious. There are moments to cry and moments to laugh. Soak in every moment, because it is a blessing to cry, laugh, or feel sad, happy, ...etc.



I have been having so much fun with life. A couple weeks ago, my friend won tickets to a Justin Bieber concert. I shall remind you that the last time he saw me, it was July when I couldn't talk or move my legs. I also was still on steroids and I have slimmed down quite a bit from then. Well, when he saw me, he definitely remembered me and he was purely thrilled to see how much better I looked. It made my day to know that he really, truly, honestly cared. He had his body guards push the crowd back so me and my friend could get through. It made my day, I was ecstatic.
On Nov. 20, I went to the theater and watched from The Twilight Saga: "New Moon". It was on opening day too! Most everybody knows that I am a huge Twilight fanatic. If you're a twilight fan to, I'll have you know that I'm wavering between Team Jacob and Team Edward. The movie was truly amazing in my opinion.



The other day, my tube was clogged and we were about to go to the hospital to change it. I was very upset and I was crying and crying. Finally my mom went outside to get the car ready, and I was inside crying, I really did not want to go. It was at that moment I looked up and said "If you love me, you'll take the pain and sadness away". Then my mother walked through the door and I asked her to try to put water through my tube just one more time. When she tried to put the water through the tube, it went through like nothing was ever wrong with it. I looked at my mom and frankly we were both astonished and thrilled. It reminded me of the birthday gift I bought my mom. It was a plaque that had these words on it, "Everyday holds the possibility of a miracle."



For Thanksgiving I will be thankful for what has been given to me, and everything I have because everything could be a lot worse. I want to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving and a request for thoughts and prayers on December 2nd when I go for my next MRI.

Love, Daniela

Relax

Hey everyone! Lately, I have been thinking about my old hobbies that I am not able to do right now. Like singing, to me music is not the same with out me singing or humming. I still love music as I will always but I can't help but loathe the fact that, at the moment, I am not able to create my own sound. And the piano, I feel sometimes that I am starting over from the beginning. And of course tennis, I miss being able to have an outlet. It was a place where I didn't have to think about anything but my game and technique. But everything that I'm missing right now, only makes me want to work harder to get it back. Which is why everything that I'm going through right now, is a small price to pay if it means getting better. But all this hard work can either be fun or it can be a pain. It all depends on your attitude. I vote fun. I always, at least, try to have a good time or make the best out of it. Because, you never know what is going to happen the next day. For example, I woke up one morning and my tube was clogged and we couldn't unclog it. Even though I absolutely hate getting my tube changed, I found the good. I had a really nice nurse and doctor and most importantly, I'd get to eat. It's definitely hard to stay calm in times like that or anytime that stresses you out, but staying calm really does help. I know myself in those situations, all I want to do is cry because my stomach hurts, I don't feel good, and I need to eat! But then my mom reminds me to stay calm, breath, and relax. When she tells me to do that, everything goes a lot smoother and better. When I'm getting treatment too.

I'm excited for these next couple months. I have family and there's Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and let's not forget, my birthday!! I hope you all have a great day and weekend! =)

Love, Daniela

I passed!

Hi everyone! I'm very sorry that I haven't written in a while, I've been pretty busy!
First of all, many of you were wondering how I did on my swallow test and I did pass! So, I'm still on the feeding tube but I am allowed to eat soft and/or pureed foods. Even though I passed the test, I'm scared to eat. I'll have to practice a lot before I become comfortable. I appreciate all your prayers and thoughts, and I'm hoping to get a lot more! I thank each and every one who is supporting me! I am so blessed to have the friends and family that I have. I'm staying positive and the people who are around me now are a part of that and for that I am thankful.

Love, Daniela

News

OK, well I have a swallowing test on Tuesday. I am so nervous I could cry. I'm trying to convince myself it is not a big deal. They're definitely not going to take my tube off but I'm hoping that I'll be allowed to start eating at least a little bit of food. In other words, I don't want to be so restricted. To someone else who is eating, this situation could be easy to them either you pass or fail. To me it has a lot to do with freedom and independence. Everybody wants to be free to choose their food, they don't want to have to depend on someone to tell you what you can or can't eat. That's why diets are hard and frustrating to follow but in most cases, like mine or having a weight problem, it's 100% necessary. It's very very hard to not be allowed to eat things and yet be around them all day, but even though I really don't like it one bit, I'm sucking it up and doing whatever it is that I need to do to stay healthy and improve. I've already crossed so many mountains, I'm pretty confident about crossing this next one. I've pocketed my hope and am taking it with me. :)

Love, Daniela

Finishing Strong

Well, as a lot of you know, it has been raining in Atlanta for the past week and a half. There has been major flooding. Even school was canceled. My mom has never seen this in Atlanta! Our basement was flooding badly, but I consider that lucky comparing to some of my friends. But Atlanta gets a bit of a break from the rain for now. It's great to see the sun!

My Uncle Nate sent me this great power point titled "Finishing Strong". It made me realize that almost nothing is impossible. There are so many people who, after accidents, were told they couldn't sing, walk...etc., and they were so determined to do the "impossible" and it happened. Like I am determined to start singing and playing tennis again. It'll happen!! Ever since I was little, I was taught to never give up. In fact, my dad wanted me to join the debate team in high school because I was so good at proving my point!:) Soo, never give up!

Love, Daniela

News

I'm sorry I haven't written very often these past couple weeks! I've been very busy with homework and school. But, I will most likely be taking a swallowing test sometime around this month! It probably won't mean that I get to take my tube off. But it will give me an idea of what I can and can't eat.

Ok in my opinion, the less I know about my cancer, the better. All I really want to know is that I have it, where it is, and what it's called. Because the more I know, the more I get intimidated. Which is why, from now on, I don't want to hear it. When you have cancer, you don't have time to be intimidated let alone enough energy! I'm going to make one thing very clear to my body, I want my tumor out and I want it out now. I don't know why I'm saying "my" tumor. Because it's not mine nor do I ever want it to be mine. I have to show myself that I am in control of me. Not the tumor. God has given me strength that's unfathomable. Now I have a job to dig deep and pull through. I hope you all have a great weekend!

Love, Daniela

MRI

On Wednesday, I had an MRI and it shows shrinking! It just goes to show you, my methods work. Positive attitude goes a long way, but laughter goes an even longer way. Laughter is the best cure! I've set 3 other goals in my life; Live to the fullest, laugh your heart out, and love everyone even your enemies. Just be happy with whatever you have! I believe, with perseverance and good attitude, there is nothing you can't do. So I suggest you remember these words: Live, Laugh, Love!
Also, be sure you believe. Make sure you never leave home without hope and faith.

Love, Daniela

Poem

SNOW SNOW SNOW BY DANIELA JOEL

Soft cold layers.
Sparkling white grass.
White drops of crystal
Dripping from the sky.

Comforting cool weather.
Relaxing white flakes
With wonderful designs.
Funny interesting kids playing.

The mellow crackle of the fire.
I hear the pots steaming and someone
Is pouring hot chocolate.
The wind is whistling loudly.

Why does it melt so fast?
What am I going to do?
Play, play, play?

I have wondrous thoughts.
Warm hearted feelings.

Snow, snow, snow.



I wrote this 6 room poem originally for school but I really like it and thought you would too.

=)!

Sometimes people might see me and think "Okay this girl cant walk, talk, or eat. Why in the world is she so happy?" Well my answer is what good does being sad or mad do?Sure, I wish I was having a different life, but I am accepting what has happened to me and I've accepted the fact that I'm in for a lot of work. You can wish all you want, but you have to come to a point and realize that OK I'm in this position. No wishing my way out of it. What can I do to fix it? Then you just really have to believe you can do it! I've heard this quote before but I'm not sure who its by, "In able to succeed, you must first believe that you can." I don't know about you but I believe I can and will.

Love, Daniela

Wow

Today I realized that me and my mom are a team. Sure I have a strong mind and will, but I could never of come as far as I have with out my mom's love and support. We keep each other together! "We don't accomplish anything in this world alone." -Unknown

Today I found an entry on my computer diary from the day before school started, last year. What caught my eye in it was the fact that I said that my head hurts really bad and I don't know why. I thought wow. It's really weird when you look back on a diary. And it was weird thinking that I had a tumor growing on my brain every day, and I didn't know.

Today our dear friends, Ms. Joyce and Mr Isaac, are moving. We're definitely going to miss them! They have been amazing!

School started for me this week and I'm so happy to be busy again! I love having things to do and getting them done. It makes me feel good! I like keeping busy.

Love, Daniela

Miracle!

Today, I took my first step! It was so amazing, though after a while my knees really hurt because I'm not really used to the motion. Oh it made my day!! I was so excited! I always, always have dreams about me walking and playing with my friends, shopping at the mall, ...etc. You know I've heard this a few times, "Nothing happen unless first we dream.". Wow, so true. Because a lot of things that have happened to me, I have first dreamed them. I'm not psychic, I promise. It's called "Power of the Mind". I really believe the mind is stronger than most anything. I found this really great quote.

" To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but believe."-Anatole France

Or as my teacher had a poster in her class that I loved. "Shoot for the moon! Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars.". Always have big goals! You can atleast accomplish most of it if not all.

Love, Daniela

Sigh of Relief

I started to write last night, but I found my self falling asleep. I was basically going to mention that yesterday was my fathers' birthday, and every year on his birthday there is a meteor shower. I guess his birthday coincides with something that has to do with meteor showers. I'm sorry, I don't know the technical term.

I had a very hard morning today. It truly was awful. First, I woke up feeling fine then out of no where I threw up. I was soaked. As if that wasn't bad enough, we realized I spit my tube up - all the way from my stomach. It was ridiculous. Then I was still very sick and we had to go to the hospital. After my last experience with getting my tube changed, I won't let anybody change it except the radiologists, because they have the camera to see where they are going. But because I was still very sick, my mom couldn't drive, she had to stay with me. Thank God we have our dear friend, Ms.Joyce. Her and her husband, Mr.Isaac, are more like grandparents to me. They would drop anything and everything for me and I love them dearly. Anyways we arrived at the hospital and we had to call our nurse Maggie to schedule the appointment. But most appointments are scheduled months before the actual date. So of course, there was some problems with me not having an appointment. But as most of you know my mom, when it comes to her kids, no one says no to her or stands in her way of what we need. I admire her strength and determination. My mom made sure I was in, in 5-10 minutes, I had not had anything to eat and I was very nausea's with no way of getting medicine to help with it. Getting the tube put in was very uncomfortable but it was over in a few minutes. I'm so thankful for Maggie, my nurse, who did so much to get me in there. The doctor who got my tube in, he's phenomenal. He's very gentle and kind. Again I was blessed with wonderful people.

Love, Daniela

I'm back!

It's so good to be back! This week was very hard, we worked out a system to keep me from vomiting but the whole week I was totally out of it from all the nausea medicine. I'd rather be drowsy then nausea's.

I have been thinking, do you remember in Hercules, the old ladies would cut the twine when a persons time on earth was up? And how when Hercules went into that pool of souls, risking his life for his one true love, the old ladies tried to cut his twine but it wouldn't cut because he was a God. I'm not sure if I believe in all those Greek Myths but to think someone cutting my string of life and not being able too, it just makes me think. I'm not sure if it makes sense the way I put it but try to understand my crazy mind.=)

I also was browsing around youtube, and found this song that I have always loved but now I really can put meaning to it. I want to dedicate it to my mother.



The lyrics mean a lot to me and I never really had a meaning for this song. I just liked it, but now, today, I listened to this song and almost cried. My mom means the world to me. I love her to death!

Love, Daniela

Worry

I have to admit, I worry a lot. About everything. I just start thinking and it gets out of hand. Most of my worries, I have absolutely no control over. Which is why I really like this quote.

"There is no use worrying about things over which you have no control, and if you have control, you can do something about them instead of worrying."- Stanley C. Allyn

Your always going to have worries, but your not always going to be in control, therefore whatever happens is obviously meant to happen. Otherwise you yourself could and would of stopped it. I never know why things happen - none of us do. but there's always a reason whether or not you know it or not.


I didn't write this weekend because I was extremely nausea's from my antibiotics. This week, starting tonight, I do oral chemo which I do 5 days out of every month. Its definitely not fun stuff. One of the nausea medications just makes you feel like you have the flu and want to sleep all day. But I'd rather feel that then throwing up. So I guess I have to suck it up for the great or good. Basically I might not write for a couple days, but do check in to see if I did write because other days are different than others.

Love, Daniela

For One More Day

I thought you would all enjoy a story I wrote in 6th grade, after my 12th birthday. It is very dear to me and I hope you enjoy it.



FOR ONE MORE DAY
By: Daniela Joel


If life granted you one more day, what would you do? I know what I would do. I would spend the day with my dad, an astounding, stimulating person. Alas, he died two years ago. If you have ever lost a loved one, you would know that your heart is constantly filled with curiosity. But that curiosity leads to a person you never knew. That person will unleash a strong little flame inside of you that is going to grow and make wonderful, new things that will help exceed who you are. With all the nurturing that flame is going to experience it will grow, and grow, and grow. In time, instead of that heart full of curiosity and anger, it becomes a heart full of acceptance and understanding.
Have you ever wanted to ask a question you knew could never be answered? Well I have too. That question was why do people that love you so much, leave you so soon with out a goodbye. I asked God so many times. He never answered me until one day, one remarkable day. He told me he needed someone special. As the words “someone special” echoed in my head, I thought about those oh so fragile words. Every girl says her dad is special. Mine really was. People always ask me why I think this, I just smiled and finally said the words I’ve been waiting to say, I don’t think, I know. My Guardian Angel told me so.
My dad had curly, dark brown hair and shadowy brown eyes that sparkled every time he smiled. He had wide broad shoulders and long arms that could once lift me up and rap around me like a warm, soft blanket, with hands that connect the soft finger tips that could once hold me like a cup when I was just born. It’s hard to believe that the baby that had blonde hair and sky blue eyes is now my dad with the big brown eyes and curly black hair.

Over all, some of the best times of my life were spent with my dad. Like the time I signed my first “autograph” when I was about seven years old. Or the time when he would tickle me, when I was mad at him, until I would forgive him. Some kids don’t realize that the soft, tender touch of your dad could mean the whole world to you if it was gone in just a swift motion of the blink of your eye. This man in that picture was a goofy, sensitive, tender, and loving kind of person. He never gave up. He was my dad. What he most treasured is what he wanted, and what he wanted is what he got. I was his only daughter. He wanted me. He got me.
For one more day…he could have me. He could rap his long arms around me once again. He could look at me one more time with those big brown eyes and say I’ll never leave you again. For one more day…this is what I got. When I hear the whisper of his love and feel the wind blowing on my face, I could hear him, and somewhat distinguish him reaching with those long, soft arms and big brown eyes. He said with a radiant smile, “I will never leave you.”




Love. Daniela

All I have to say is Thank You God!

God has blessed me with so many wonderful things. Living, getting better, most importantly, wonderful people who love and care for me. Today I truly was ultimately blessed. My day was made today when Justin Bieber came to my house and serenaded me. For those of you who don't know who he is, he is an incredibly talented, new singer. I'm 100% positive he is going to be famous and go very far. Not only is he incredibly talented, he is incredibly sweet and nice. I have adored him ever since his first single came out. I know that Usher is a huge fan of him. I am a very very lucky girl and am so incredibly thankful for this day and the events that were brought to me. Now my "Pray for Daniela Bracelet" will be worn by him. I am so thankful for everyone who was apart of this miraculous day!

Love, Daniela

Impossibility

I absolutely love proving people wrong!! That's why I like Math, I love proving things. Today I lifted my knee up, which means, with lot's of practice, I'll soon be able to walk!!

"The greatest pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do" - Unknown

That is my new life motto. It's really amazing to prove the impossible or the impossibilities of the only human mind. Today, I really felt like a normal, teenage girl. I giggled and laughed with my best friend, Corry. I'm starting to be the sassy, sweet girl that I have always been and always will be.=)

Love, Daniela

Q and A

1) I honestly don't remember what motivated me to start tennis, I was so young. Barely even 2. But as far as who influenced me, it was probably my parents. I was very good at a young age. It felt very good because I loved playing with the older kids and trying to beat them. Like I said, I love a challenge. Winning tournaments was amazing, especially my first. To me, winning the tournaments, was like a natural high. It just made you feel good.

2) Music definitely I was pushed into but loved it right away. My father influenced me the most as he was my first teacher. As a lot of you know, I sang and played the piano at my dad's funeral. I also wrote him a poem, if you'd like me to post it please let me know. I don't even know how I maintained my composure, it was the hardest thing I have ever done. I know the second I got of the stage, I lost it. It effected my life big time because there was school and I just moved up in tennis to a higher group. Not to mention it was right after my 9th birthday.

3) If you know me, you know that I absolutely love a good book. One of my favorites is the Twilight Saga and Harry Potter. I love them because I love living in a different world and reading those, it was definitely a fantasy trip. Right now I am reading The Lightning Thief, recommended by my doctor who as well loves books, I am not yet far into it, but so far its a very good book.

4) I love the people that are in my life. My mom always with me and I wouldn't have it any other way. I love my coaches they have been so supportive. My therapists are amazing though I'm not working with them at the moment, they always find time to visit. My friends go out of their way to keep me entertained. My family has been absolutely amazing. Seriously if I were to thank everybody, I would literally have to write a book.

There's a little bio of my life! I hope you learned a little more about me.

Love, Daniela

Things Will Get Better.

THINGS WILL GET BETTER
When things aren’t going well for you
And times aren’t what they should be,
Just focus on the positive
And think of what could be.

Acknowledge what has happened.
Don’t lose sight of lessons past.
But don’t allow the negative
Distracting thoughts to last.

Take what you’ve learned
And start from there.
Draw strength from your frustration.
And let this added sense of purpose
Be your new foundation.

It’s hard to follow any plan
Precisely to the letter.
Though life right now is difficult,
Things will in time get better.

My mom found this amazing poem while cleaning out our basement. It is like it was written for me! I really don't have much to say about this poem because it really says it all. I hope you enjoy it.

Love, Daniela

Gift

Today my mom received a package for her birthday from me! Well she opened it...grr. But anyways it was a little plaque that says "Every day holds the possibility of a miracle." Story of my life, ha. I wanted my mom to always remember that no matter what happens. I want her to always have faith. It's very important to me that she realizes that. Because without miracles I wouldn't be alive. None of us would. We were all born somehow and that's a huge miracle right there.=)

Facebook Friends

Today I am blogging twice. Thank you for the people who have befriended me on Facebook. I just want to say if you add me, please write a little note so I know who you are and not so random person.

Love, Daniela

Group

Today I started a group on Facebook. It can be found by typing in the search box, team Daniela. Again everyone tell your friends!

Yesterday, I did write a blog, a very long one I might add, but I didn't post it. Yesterday I was a little upset because everyone was asking me who my new teacher was for 8th grade. But I am not upset anymore because I've realized that yes, I'm going to miss my my friends but I have a really cool teacher for my school and I'm very happy to have her. I'll have my time for my first day of school too.=)
I actually am very excited for school to start, I'll have something to do during the day, and finishing homework will give me that accomplished feeling I used to have.

I do want to point out that the point of my blog yesterday was the fact that I question and wonder about every event in my life but I wouldn't ever change them. I am who I am because of these things and I am so very content with myself.

By the way my mothers' birthday is Monday but I'll be in the hospital with her receiving treatment.=(

Love, Daniela

Months

As most of you know, there will be many many more months of hard work ahead of me. But they are all going to be very difficult.

"December is the most toughest of months. Others are July, January, September, November, May, March, June, October, August, and February."-Mark Twain

Everyday is a struggle no matter what condition your in. It's how you face it that's going to make the difference.

I am starting to really feel like a normal teenager again. Before, I really had no emotion that I had before I was diagnosed. If you have a Facebook you should add me as a friend! There is a group that I have just joined and I encourage everyone else to. The cause is based on 'Curing Diffused Intrinsic Pontine Glioma". This is the kind of tumor I have and right now there is no cure. It is a nasty tumor that rips away the lives of kids under 10 and I am a rare situation. The best way to help is to tell friends and family and hopefully someone with the ability to discover a cure gets notified.

Love, Daniela

Grrr...

Today I don't know what to say. I have writers block and its very frustrating. I did not have a very good weekend. Every weekend, I have to take an antibiotic to prevent pneumonia, well this weekend it did not want to be in my tummy. Oh I had the worst time. I was so nauseated. Anyways that's why I did not write last night.


Today my Physical Therapist stopped by. I had fun showing him all the new things I can do. The greatest day of my life will be when I walk to my doctors appointment. As someone very wise(whom I do not know)said "The greatest pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do." I hope you've noticed how feisty and determined I am. Although these characteristics were very subtle before, they've always been there and always will.

Oh! I forgot to tell you! Today my brother came back from tennis camp with a little earache. Well he'd been swimming so my mom thought "swimmers ear". Oh boy was she wrong. I used to get swimmers ear a lot, so we had these drops. My mom put one drop in his ear and I thought someone was being murdered. My little drama "king" screamed that loud! But I didn't remember the drops being painful? He even demanded we call 911. We took him to the doctor and turns out he had a ruptured eardrum that needed to be drained. Anyways when he came back like a horse, I had to laugh at myself for being so worried.=D

Fear Nothing.

A certain someone has graciously taught me to fear absolutely nothing. This person has been through so much and to be the person that she is today is remarkable. What a wonderful role model. I have great gratitude for her and someday hope to be like her. Fearing nothing is exactly what someone in my position should be doing. Instead of putting my energy into being scared, I have to put my energy into getting better and working hard to do it.

I don't understand why when you most likely won't make it, doctors tell you. Instead of living your last hours living to the fullest, all your thinking is "Oh my God. I'm going to die." And you stop fighting because you've been told by a "super official doctor" that you're going to die. You start to lose the most important thing-FAITH. It's faith and hope that get you through hard times. Doctors are not God. They are only human. Thank God I was unaware in the hospital and don't remember anything. I am grateful for that.

Love, Daniela

Opportunity

Today I'm having a bit of a down day. I'm just tired but still trying to look on the up side. But I always try to remember this quote.

"In every difficulty there's an opportunity." -Albert Einstein

Last night I cried and tears came out! I haven't seen my tears since before I was diagnosed because of the tumor. I love my brother to death but sometimes he gets mean. He gets tired and cranky but I wonder what it would be like if every time I got tired I got cranky. I would probably always be cranky. To me it's not really an excuse to be bratty, not saying that I don't get cranky. I do. It's normal. But I guess what I'm trying to say is that when your having a day more difficult then usual, try and find the upsides. It'll really help your day go by.

Love, Daniela

Competitiveness and Dedication

"Yesterday I dared to struggle. Today I dare to win." - Bernadette Devlin

It's like one of my tennis tournaments. You don't go just to play. You go to win! Like me, I'm fighting, not to lose, but to win! I've always been very competitive and this is just another tournament as my Coach Ashley said. He also said "Pain engages the brain." And honestly I thought he was crazy to think that until now. He was right and I'm sorry I didn't listen to that sooner.


I am so thankful to have my mom as my "nurse." She has been there for me through everything and it makes us closer.=) A day never goes by that I don't thank God for having her in my life. She's a beautiful, strong, independent woman and I'm proud to have her as my mom.=) I've learned everything from her and she continues to amaze me.

Love, Daniela

Purpose

"For everything there is a season,
And a time for every matter under heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die;
A time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal;
A time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
A time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to seek, and a time to lose;
A time to keep, and a time to throw away;
A time to tear, and a time to sew;
A time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate,
A time for war, and a time for peace." - Ecclesiastes

I told my mom this morning that I don't think God intended for me to die. I am here to do this. To inspire people and keep them going.

People can't believe either that I am only 13. Well heres a quote to explain that.

"In the end, it's not the years in your life but the life in your years." - Abraham Lincoln

I have not lived the life most teens have. Therefore I am not like most teens. Though these events have been unfortunate, I am very lucky to have learned these lessons.

Love, Daniela

Adventure.

My life is an adventure. Although unfortunately things have happened that I'm not so crazy about.
I'd like to share with you a couple quotes that I find very motivational and helpful.

"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing." -Helen Keller

I have learned that every event in my life is not unfortunate but an extra bump to make me stronger. An adventure. I have learned to not be angry at these "adventures" but instead to take them with a grain of salt, re-find my "path to happiness," and move on.

Which brings me to the next quote.

"Happiness is not a matter of events, it depends upon the tides of the mind." -Alice Meynell

Very true. When you think positive, the outcome is most likely going to be positive.

People always ask me if I'm angry at God. My answer is ofcourse not. I'm not going to turn in to one of those bitter, old ladies who are the way they are because there always blaming someone, and it always starts with blaming God. I am a very happy person and by all means have no one to blame for this. It is a challenge and I'm always up for a challenge. =)

Love, Daniela

Happy =)

Today I went to chemo and I think the doctor was very pleased with what she saw.

Before I was diagnosed, I was extremely depressed. I also was having severe anxiety. I even called my best friend in the middle of the night. Now, I'm starting to feel happy again. Its been so long since I've felt this way that I almost forgot what it feels like. Here is a quote that relates to my life perfectly.

"Our minds are as different as our faces: we are all traveling to one destination;--happiness; but few are traveling by the same road." -Charles Caleb Colton

We all have our paths to happiness, but we have to find out how to get there.

Love, Daniela

Time...?

Being the person I am and all the things I've been through, I am fully aware what time is, and how precious it is. This quote says it all.

"Time is like a river...you cannot touch the same water twice,because the flow that has passed will never pass again. Enjoy every moment of life." -Unknown

Our life goes by in the blink of an eye. All we worry about is work, money,...etc. We never take the time to cherish and savor each moment. Having a glimpse of death has made me realize that life can be taken away just like that. Knowing that, I have a greater appreciation for my mom and people who choose to give their precious time to me. Wether it's thinking about me, spending time with me, or praying for me, you are spending time to do it and for that I thank you.
Live, Laugh, Love.

Love Daniela

What a day!

This morning started with a few beautiful quotes my friend Corry shared with me.
1. "We all have to get through the storm before we can see the rainbow."-Unknown
2. "We are all just a little piece of blue sky."- My sisters Keeper
3. "People to weak to follow their own dreams always find a way to discourage you." - Unknown

All very true and extremely well put.

Later on I read an amazing book. "Killer" by Sara Shepard, Pretty Little Liars series. Book 7
I would highly recommend the series to anyone who loves teenage gossip and a good murder mystery.
My mom has to lift me to stand, and hold on to me. So today, when she did that, I stood up straight. I was shocked to see I had to look down to see my mom's eyes. Had I grown that much in 7 months??!! My sister was around and she definitely couldn't believe her eyes. Not only was I taller than my mom but i was taller than my sister too! At least by half an inch. For those of you who have never seen my sister in person, she is 5'7.

Now I am going to end my day with a movie with my mom. "Premonition". I could safely say I've been blessed with a wonderful day and wonderful people to share it with!

Love, Daniela

Catch Up...

A few years back, I lost my dad to a heart attack. I truly thought my HUGE life obstacles were done. Little did I know, I was in for a big surprise. Everything about me changed. My personality, looks, and actions. An MRI later showed the ugly face of a tumor. I went through several weeks of radiation. That wasn't working quite well, the next treatment meant a port(a small, round button that leads to a big artery). As I was slowly getting worse, my swallowing took a turn for the worst. Most of what I was consuming was going to my lungs instead of my stomach. I went in for the surgery for the port, expecting to spend 1 night in the hospital. I remember waking up from the surgery and not being able to breath well. That's about it. I was unaware of my surroundings for 7 days. No one expected me to wake up. I was expected to live 12 more hours. I was told my lungs collapsed. That was 3 months ago.=) With the help of my mom I am doing much better. I can't walk, talk, or eat but that will all come back with work as the tumor shrinks! Today my best friend, Corry, came by and brought me nail polish. I felt like my normal self. I am doing a chemo(it does not make my hair fall out) every other week and an oral kind 5 days out of every month. I am going to the hospital Monday for another round of chemo. I try to have as much fun as I can. I love music and books, they help a lot along with my computer.
I appreciate everyone's prayers and I really hope you guys keep it up.

Love, Daniela