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The biggest fight of all
There are many different kinds of fights.
Those that take place in a ring. The ones between family members: siblings, spouses, parents. The ones against the elements. Those between countries.
But the most important battle is the one someone faces when diagnosed with Cancer.
In the past year, I've known way too many loved ones in this situation. Some have lost. Some have won. Some are still fighting.
Every single one of these fighters has enriched my life.
I have one friend in particular who was diagnosed with Breast Cancer many years ago.
On those mornings when I wake up, too tired to drag my body out of bed, I'll get an email from this friend. She's been up since five in the morning. She's already swam laps, fed the birds and foxes that surround her house and is now making soup.
If she can do all that, I can get my lazy butt to the gym.
After waking up with a horrible case of "bad hair day" worthy of inclusion in the Guinness Book of World Records (if they had such a category), I learn that my friend has put on her wig and gone grocery shopping.
I can surely face the day with an untamed mass of hair.
When I'm moaning and groaning because the electric bill is so exorbitant this month, causing me to tighten my grocery budget, I listen to my friends talk about their medical bills.
I can handle a cheap bottle of vodka this time around.
When I'm interrupted from writing that most perfect sex scene because my granddaughter needs a ride to her baseball game, I think about all those grandparents that may never get the opportunity to sit on that hard bench and cheer.
My heroine's boobs can wait to be fondled.
But what won't wait, what won't ever stop ticking-is time.
If those who are battling for just one more day, can wake up with a smile...
...so can we.
I donate my wage for this post to Stand Up 2 Cancer in loving memory of my wonderful brother-in-law, William "Dutch" Holland.
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Comments (26)
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Report Thu Oct 25, 2012 - 9:45 pmAlways so much to be grateful for (and just get going) but , we forget . A reminder is always useful especially when so artfully done . Thanks a millionReply -
1 reply, Last reply by Janie Emaus on Sat Oct 27, 2012 at 7:57 pm
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Sun Oct 21, 2012 - 10:21 pm
Don't we all.Reply -
Report Sun Oct 21, 2012 - 6:29 amI'm sorry I'm late chiming on this, but thank you so much. Sometimes I need a reminder.Reply
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Report Sat Oct 20, 2012 - 8:16 amJanie, thanx for this one. As always, written with your sweet, talented style. I've lost too many dear ones to this disease! We all need to remember to practice living in the moment & to simply let go. Zen Proverb: Let go or be dragged. xxx IleneReply
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1 reply, Last reply by Janie Emaus on Sat Oct 20, 2012 at 1:11 pm
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Report Fri Oct 19, 2012 - 11:53 pmWOW, Janie, says it all. You have reminded us in the most incredible way that we are a people use to taking things for granted. I hope I never forget how hard that battle is and how blessed I am. Thanks for the reminder.Reply
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1 reply, Last reply by Janie Emaus on Sat Oct 20, 2012 at 1:11 pm
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Report Fri Oct 19, 2012 - 7:34 pmSuch a wonderful reminder to think of others and be grateful for what we have.Reply
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1 reply, Last reply by Janie Emaus on Sat Oct 20, 2012 at 4:43 am
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Report Fri Oct 19, 2012 - 10:23 pmWow, Janie, thanks so much for this beautifully written reminder and inspirational post.Reply
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1 reply, Last reply by Janie Emaus on Fri Oct 19, 2012 at 10:45 pm
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Report Fri Oct 19, 2012 - 9:52 pmWow, Janie, you are so right. Handsome had throat cancer seven years ago. No One would have thought he would get this, but he did and battled his way through like a maniac. Nothing I have is more valuable than him. Thanks for the awesome post.Reply
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1 reply, Last reply by Janie Emaus on Fri Oct 19, 2012 at 10:44 pm
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Report Fri Oct 19, 2012 - 8:28 pmVery beautifully put. Until someone is touched by cancer in one way or another you just can't seem to fathom what they go through, you have put it down here perfectly. Hopefully all will get to read this and understand - without having to learn first hand how difficult each day can be. Thank you for sharing.Reply
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1 reply, Last reply by Janie Emaus on Fri Oct 19, 2012 at 10:44 pm
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Report Fri Oct 19, 2012 - 8:01 pmVery moving post, Janie. It really reminds me of how lucky I've been, and how much I admire those who've gone through difficult times and survived.Reply
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1 reply, Last reply by Janie Emaus on Fri Oct 19, 2012 at 10:43 pm
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Report Fri Oct 19, 2012 - 7:33 pmI love the way you contrasted your life to those of someone with cancer. It was a great graphic for me.Reply
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1 reply, Last reply by Janie Emaus on Fri Oct 19, 2012 at 7:52 pm
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Report Fri Oct 19, 2012 - 7:29 pmA good leson in perspective. My friend Anne fought a long, incredibly brave battle with breast cancer. We'd been friends for years before she mentioned, "Oh, BTW, I have cancer ..." I wouldn't know the meaning of the word diginity if I hadn't known Anne, and I always keep her in mind when I dutifully go get the annual mamo -- without complaint.Reply
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1 reply, Last reply by Janie Emaus on Fri Oct 19, 2012 at 7:45 pm
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Report Fri Oct 19, 2012 - 6:22 pmGreat post, Janie! It's so easy to get wrapped up in our own 'problems' and forget that there are men and women who get up every morning and fight for their lives. People with cancer that bravely face each day. I needed to read this, and to remember to look around me, and give a hand whenever I can.Reply
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1 reply, Last reply by Janie Emaus on Fri Oct 19, 2012 at 7:45 pm
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Report Fri Oct 19, 2012 - 6:17 pmSuch a nice reflection, Janie. So often we take for granted what we have, or grumble about the small stuff we don't. Thank you for that reminder.Reply
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1 reply, Last reply by Janie Emaus on Fri Oct 19, 2012 at 7:44 pm
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