I live in a very small community so the struggle of anyone in a fight with cancer especially breast cancer surfaces pretty quickly. This week a family in our community lost a dear soul who fought breast cancer “Like a Girl.” Her struggle brought a community together in so many amazing ways. She has left a legacy that will help other cancer fighters with hope and encouragement. My prayers go out to their family. I pray they will find comfort and peace and healing in the months to come.
Breast cancer attacked my own maternal Grandmother while I was in college. I remember getting the call and being summoned to the hospital. It was the fastest trip home I ever made. My grandmother was my absolute best friend. She was not without flaws which made discussing some of my not so finest moments with her bearable. She was a strong hardworking and prudent woman. We sat in that bland, tiny little antiseptic hospital room and received the news. She had breast cancer. If she continued to live her current lifestyle about 6 weeks. If she made some major life changes 18 months. When we were alone she asked me the question … I said I wanted her to fight.
Like the flick of a switch she went from one extreme to the next. She fought cancer like a prize fighter. The next 3 years were the best 3 years I ever spent with her. We went out to dinner, we talked, we enjoyed holidays. I had a Grandmother even better than the one I had before. In some sick way I have thank breast cancer for giving me an renewed Grandma.
I am positive there was pain. I am positive there were times that should wanted to give up. I never got to see any of those moments and I am positive the rest of the world didn’t either. Faced with the same challenges I am not sure I would have had the power or the dignity to live out here struggle in the same way.
On the last night we spent together it was very apparent that the end was near. We sat together in her small living room overflowing with a hospital bed and pain pumps and other hospital supplies. In her true rock hard fashion we ignored the elements that said cancer patient. We watched Friends on TV. Joey and Chandler had just purchased two lazy boy recliners and intended on living the rest of their lives in them. We laughed. She asked specifically for soft serve ice cream. We enjoyed it. We had a best friends night. As I helped her into her bed that night and left for the evening I knew that was our last great night together. As much as I wanted to have more I was relieved when God took her to heaven that weekend. I am eternally grateful for “Friends,” and Ice Cream and laughter.
Why cancer, why anything debilitating that hurts are loved ones? As much as these things hurt they are part of our sinful world. They are not God’s doing but God does show us glimmers of light in all struggles. When you are in the middle you can’t see them. With my Grandmother’s cancer he created a new women. A women with fight, and courage and a new beginning, an inspiration. With other cases I see families coming together and growing closer. I see communities rally. I see us putting our focus on others instead of ourselves. I see people trust and draw closer to God.
Whatever your struggle as painful as it might be take solace knowing that God is with you through all all of it. He has a plan and there is hope in all things.
*****************************
If you or someone you know is struggling with breast cancer you can find answers, support and guidance at the Susan G. Komen Foundation Website.
One Trackback