It’s the holiday season. Cut through the slick marketing and commer­cial­ism, and it should be a time to give thanks and spend time with friends and family.

For me, living with multiple myeloma makes every day bittersweet. It can be hard to stay positive, especially this time of year. I’ll admit it: thoughts of possibly missing future holidays – and time with those I love – some­times makes it challenging for me to focus on all of the good things.

But that’s the point. There are some good things.

We’ve all heard the saying, “Having cancer has been a blessing.” A number of patient columnists who write for The Myeloma Beacon have echoed these sentiments over the years. Truth be told, I understand why someone might feel that way. Of course, my guess is most survivors who say that are cancer free at the time.

Still, I can’t argue the point. We all understand how difficult it can be: countless blood draws, bone marrow biopsies, and other tests – then sweating the results of those tests – and, for most of us, the dreaded relapse.

But there have been some positive aspects of the myeloma roller coaster ride, too. I’ve met dozens of hard working men and women who have dedicated their lives to trying to save mine.

After living with myeloma for almost eight years, most of my friends are myeloma patients or caregivers. Come to think of it, if you don’t count my former college roommate and best friend, Tim, all of my friends have something to do with multiple myeloma.

Doctors, nurses, the fun-yet-formidable, no nonsense tech who deftly draws my blood every week, support group members from across the country, and – of course – my readers, all live in the myeloma world.

And there’s more. I have learned to appreciate each and every day. Yes, the holidays can be a difficult time, but each one seems a little more special than they used to. Any excuse to celebrate rings true these days. St. Patrick’s Day. Arbor Day. Our dog’s birthday. An unexpected warm and sunny December day.

I wouldn’t have discovered my love of writing had I not been diagnosed. We wouldn’t have moved to Florida and discovered Amelia Island, an area I’ve grown to love in a very short time.

Even so, don’t bring the topic up with my wife! Pattie misses Wisconsin – and isn’t crazy about Florida – although she, too, admits living here is nice, especially this time of year. But cancer a blessing? She’s having none of that!

No matter the silver lining, Pattie disagrees with anyone who tries to put a positive spin on cancer. A three-time survivor herself, Pattie hates cancer. It almost took her life, and is threatening to end mine. Nothing can convince her that being stricken with it has any redeeming value.

I don’t see it that way, but I understand her point of view.

One thing we can all agree on: everyone would be better off if we’d never heard the words “multiple myeloma.”

Here’s wishing you healthy, happy – and myeloma-free – holidays.

Feel good and keep smiling!