Cancer changed my life, but it didn’t stop the world from spinning. And some days this knowledge is a comfort, while other days, knowing that life keeps happening, despite cancer, is incredibly difficult. But regardless of the scans, treatment infusions, doctor’s appointments, second opinions, and emotions that come with having and treating cancer, there’s another reality that simultaneously exists. It’s the one where groceries still need to be bought, and kids still need to be taken to sports practices and tournaments. It’s the reality where clients send emails at inconvenient times, and your business still needs to be managed along with your team. Birthdays, anniversaries, and vacations can’t just be placed on hold – even if you have cancer.

You would think that after over 10 summers with kids out of school, I’d be a pro at planning for the shift, establishing routines that work, and finding thoughtful ways to spend quality time with my kiddos. And yet, every single year, the end of the school year sneaks up on me. Halfway through summer, I find that I’m buried in work that’s behind schedule, overwhelmed by play dates and summer activities, and struggling with the loss of routine and desire to have a meaningful and fun summer that isn’t dominated by screens, yet allows me time to work and enjoy the season – is that too much to ask?

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