Josh wrote this in his journal 2 years ago today... 

28 Dec 2015
ONE DAY I WILL KNOW A LIFE WITHOUT CANCER. ONE DAY ALL OF THIS PAIN WILL MAKE SENSE. ONE DAY I WILL CONTINUE TO MOVE FORWARD AND NEVER LOOK BACK. THAT DAY IS COMING. I CAN SEE THE LIGHT, I CAN SMELL THE ROSES, I CAN HEAR THE MUSIC. ONE DAY AT A TIME. THAT'S ALL IT TAKES.

* WORDS OF ADVICE/ FOOD FOR THOUGHT FOR THOSE I CARE ABOUT.

​

- JOSH POWELL

Babe, I’m not sure Heaven is what you had in mind when you were writing this, but I’m happy that you now finally know a life without cancer. I hope more than anything that the pain that you endured during your time here finally makes sense. During your battle with synovial sarcoma you continued to move forward and never looked back. Your strength and perseverance is now changing lives all over the world. You could see the light, you could smell the roses, and I’m sure the music is as beautiful as ever up there.... 
One day at a time everyone. That’s all it takes.

I hope you read this journal entry and realize the meaning behind it. Just because Josh didn't get the opportunity to know a life without cancer here on earth doesn't mean that he lost the battle. Josh remained positive throughout his battle with sarcoma and never lost hope. He knew he had just as great of a chance of being one of the miracles as the next person. He lived his life in a way where he would have no regrets no matter what the future had in store for him. He knew that if he kept living and kept envisioning a life without cancer the cancer could never win. He believed in the bigger picture. He refused to let cancer steal his joy and that is my hope for each and every one of you battling. I hope you are able to picture your life without cancer. I hope you write down your goals and dreams for your future and when you run out, you write more. I hope you continue to live despite the odds stacked against you. Miracles happen every day... why not you? 

One day it will all make sense. Until then, enjoy the ride.

"With this tab comes with it many aspects of how to exemplify what being a ranger means. Some that stand out are courage, integrity, self determination, resiliency, commitment. Earning to wear this tab I learned what these things meant while working with a team and also as an individual. The Ranger Creed states...

"Recognizing that I volunteered as a ranger, fully knowing the hazards of my chosen profession, I will always endeavor to uphold the prestige, honor, and high esprit de corps of my ranger regiment.

Acknowledging the fact that a ranger is a more elite soldier, who arrives at the cutting edge of battle by land, sea, or air, I accept the fact that as a ranger, my country expects me to move further, faster, and fight harder than any other soldier.

Never shall I fail my comrades. I will always keep myself mentally alert, physically strong, and morally straight, and I will shoulder more than my share of the task, whatever it may be, one hundred percent and then some.

Gallantly will I show the world that I am a specially selected and well trained soldier. My courtesy to superior officers, neatness of dress, and care of equipment shall set the example for others to follow.

Energetically will I meet the enemies of my country. I shall defeat them on the field of battle for I am better trained and will fight with all my might. Surrender is not a ranger word. I will never leave a fallen comrade to fall into the hands of the enemy and under no circumstances will I ever embarrass my country.

Readily will I display the intestinal fortitude required to fight on to the ranger objective and complete the mission, though I be the lone survivor.

RANGERS LEAD THE WAY!"

These aspects of what it means to wear this badge of honor is something everyone should strive for in life but it is only through hard times that we understand how powerful we really are. Not only did I learn to understand how much I could put my body through but also, how resilient the mind is. I want to share this with you. Without a strong team effort and individual determination none if this is possible. Thank you for putting in the time abs effort for not just me but for everyone you affect in a positive way through your skills. Rangers lead the way. All the way."

1LT JOSH POWELL

A little Tuesday motivation from JP's journal... "It is better to have a short life that is full of what you like doing, than a long life spent in a miserable way." - Alan Watts // Life is short, do what you love!

Here's some classic JP motivation to get you through the rest of the week. "1. We are here to laugh at the odds and live our lives so well, that death will tremble to take us. 2. The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is ready to die at anytime." - Josh Powell

As most of you know, on December 13, 2016, I lost my husband Josh Powell to a brutal two year battle with Synovial Sarcoma. I have spent the last few months thinking of ways I could live my life while honoring him and the dreams we shared as a couple. Josh loved to write down his goals and dreams for the future, and I am forever grateful to him for doing this as it's been the best gift he could've ever left me. On the days that are unbearable, I often sit down and read through Josh's journals hoping to find motivation through his words to pick myself back up and KEEP GOING like he would want me to. On this particular rough day (February third), I came across a list of goals that did just that. "Goals: 1. Register for St. Jude 5K, 2. Run: 1 mile/ 2 miles/ 3 miles, 3. Finish 5K, 4. Beat Cancer, 5. Recovery from surgery." Unfortunately, Josh was never able to complete any of the goals on that list. As his wife, there would be no greater honor than to complete as many of his goals as possible as I feel closest to him while doing the things he and I both loved. On that day after coming across this list, I immediately signed up for the St. Jude 5k and got through the day with something to look forward to in honor of my husband.