October was a month that I looked forward to the most – until I was diagnosed with breast cancer in early October of 2011. I cried a lot that October --- nearly every single time I saw a pink ribbon, a commercial, a TV special, a newspaper or magazine article talking about Breast Cancer Awareness!!! I was sick of PINK. That was just the beginning of my long and emotional journey, and I felt very alone. October certainly has a new meaning for me now. I even love pink ribbons. I have a new appreciation for things I already loved. I’m a happy person by nature but happier to have gained so much through the fight of my life. I’m so grateful and blessed on so many levels. Sometimes we have to create our own sunshine and be our own inspiration. Life isn’t always tied with a bow, but it’s still a gift.