I asked God for a year. OK, truthfully, I begged for 10. Because I wanted to be your father for as long as possible, until each of you became adults. It was a begging rooted in my personal desire to see each of you grow up. Mature. And step into life. That's why today is rather special.

I've realized that it's more important to be myself than it is to be positive. And as a result, when I am positive, it is genuine and authentic.

My first thought was my kids. Two pre-teen daughters. They were going to be without a mother. My first call was to my husband. My philandering husband.

It is important to understand this is an ongoing process but one that is definitely doable. It's also important to understand there will be some situations in life you will have no control over. The only thing you can control is your reaction to them.

I decided it was my turn to take control. Matt and I waited outside for the salon to open. At 9 a.m., I put one foot in front of the other and walked in, chin up. In my bravest voice, I said, "I'd like to get my head shaved. I have cancer."