A view of a cactus in bloom in a pot in our back yard.

I am a worrier. And lately, I have been overcome with worry. Not only because of my future daughter-in-law’s cancer diagnoses — that’s the big thing — but there’s also other things in my life that my worrying spills into.

What I have discovered is the anticipation or not knowing gets my anxiety into high gear.

Then when the “thing” is known — or it actually happens — I am in shock. I can feel my entire body shake, including my hands and even my spine. I spend some time in denial. Eventually I settle down, and face my new reality.

Acceptance slips in. It’s a part of my life. I can accept it. Until another drama, disaster or bad news hits, and then I live through the process again.

Then I go for a swim, pray and take a walk. It helps, but it doesn’t get rid of it.

Do you worry more about the unknown, not having information or do you worry more once you have all the facts and it’s not good news?

A close-up of the cactus in bloom.