“Support, Survive, Remember,” that’s what the T-shirt said. We were there to remember. Many of the over 2-thousand strong who attened the Leukemia and Lymphona Society “Light the Night” walk were also there to remember. How do I know? They were carrying the yellow balloons. The rest of us, in support of those who had lost loved ones, were holding tight to our red balloons. All of the balloons had blinking lights inside and as we walked the mile and a-half thinking of ‘them,’ the dark night glowed in the red hue.
The group I walked with was there to remember our friend, Bruce. We decorated a tent in his memory. Great pictures of him as a healthy, smiling family man. And other pictures when he wore a selection of hats that covered his bald head…a result of many chemotherapies. But he was still smiling, still fighting his leukemia, still fighting off the effects of his bone marrow transplant.
Still very much missed by so many of us.
It was an honor to “Light the Night” for all of them…I could have walked for miles.
November 1, 2011 @ 8:57 pm
I thought I’d have to read a book for a disocvrey like this!
October 31, 2011 @ 6:05 am
Now I’m like, well duh! Truly tanhkful for your help.
October 24, 2011 @ 11:40 pm
Well said Al. I’m with you, it’s an honor to remember the ones I have loved and lost and I will forever keep their memories alive.
October 30, 2011 @ 6:08 pm
None can doubt the vreicaty of this article.
October 24, 2011 @ 8:24 pm
“We did nothing special except to live….” Al, that you are alive is HOPE embodied!
Sending you both hugs. ~ Mo
October 30, 2011 @ 7:18 pm
These peiecs really set a standard in the industry.
November 1, 2011 @ 9:48 pm
I’m not whroty to be in the same forum. ROTFL
October 24, 2011 @ 7:03 pm
Sometimes we must find a way to honor those we carry in our hearts and this is one way! The young girl, Bridgette, who lost her fight is still fresh in my memory. So many others, little ones that I know, are in the fight. Day by day and sometimes hour by hour the tides rise and fall along with hopes and dreams. If only we could wish or pray it away. I’ll not stop praying for those in need and hope that a miracle can be given and received.
I am participating in the Cancer Survivors Network at one of our local hospitals. Sometimes I feel guilty when I’ve done nothing special and I am certainly not a special person except to those who love me. Why me? More importantly to me, why not them….each and everyone?
The intent of the CSN is to give hope to those in the fight. I remember when I was actively in the fight that I was too busy trying to live, to survive and to make it to tomorrow to worry about being a long term survivor……10 years with melanoma; 8 years with kidney cancer; and 3 years with lung cancer. Sounds pretty good huh! But for those hooked to chemo lines each day or facing surgery or radiation, the numbers are irrelevant. I hope our intent is not misunderstood when we in the CSN are sometimes highlighted. We did nothing special except to live, to endure and that’s what every cancer patient strives to do each day. May God grant each one his grace, mercy and healing power! I carry family members, friends and loved ones in my heart. They fought the noble fight but did not survive. I honor them by keeping their memories alive.
October 25, 2011 @ 5:34 pm
Beautiful and well said Al.
Another friend of mine was recently diagnosed. She had surgery and will be starting her treatments soon. Her doctor asked about her support system- family and friends. She’s got a treatment plan, and those who know her, we have a treatment plan as well. We will be with her through her treatments, either physically in the room, or supporting her and her family in all the ways that we can- much of which has been learned first hand.
October 26, 2011 @ 8:07 am
So glad you have a support plan for your friend. As you know, there is always a flurry of activity and support for the patient as well as the family in the beginning.. As time passes and we all know that the fight can go on for months and years, the support gets less and less except for a few REALLY good friends. Hopefully, everyone involved will always remember that in the cancer world there is never a day off! A phone call, a card, an email, perhaps a visit or a kind deed..cleaning the house or washing clothes or preparing food, running errands can be done to convey that they are not alone nor forgotten. Good for you Mully!!!
October 31, 2011 @ 4:00 pm
Yo, that’s what’s up turhtfully.
November 1, 2011 @ 11:30 pm
For the love of God, keep wriintg these articles.
October 31, 2011 @ 8:07 am
I lietarlly jumped out of my chair and danced after reading this!
November 1, 2011 @ 11:05 pm
That’s way more clever than I was expeticng. Thanks!
November 2, 2011 @ 12:13 am
Hecukva good job. I sure appreciate it.