We’ve shared so many stories over the years.
Stories of diagnosis, treatment, remission….Stories of living and stories about dying. Each one a personal adventure shared with this loving and understanding community.
I’ve always thought it was important to put it all out there. When Leroy started this blog, he felt honesty would be one of the most important pieces of living with cancer. Many times that honesty proved to be uncomfortable. There were times, it brought me to tears because he was able to say things here, that he wasn’t able to say out loud. Once those intimate feelings were exposed on the page, it was easier for him to put a voice to them.
I think many of you felt the same way. His words “spoke” for you too.
That’s why I’m always so surprised when I meet someone who doesn’t count their story as relevant. When I hear them say, “Oh, I’m just another cancer patient. My story is the same as the next guy.” “No one needs to hear my story.”
That’s like saying you don’t count. YOU DO COUNT. And, it’s important to talk about your story. Your cancer isn’t who you are, but it sure has made an impact on your present and future life. It’s a part of you now, a chapter you may not have counted on, but it’s part of your book of life.
Share it with us. We’re here to listen…we’re here to lift. We’re here.
March 6, 2012 @ 3:47 pm
Glad you are encouraging those who may read here but never post to come forward and share their experiences. Just as each person is unique in so many ways, the stories they have to tell could help someone else. It really is about telling one’s story, allowing others into a very private place and trusting that they will respect and honor your words and feelings.
I met a young PA (physician’s assistant) the other day. She was there learning about melanoma from my dermatologist. I briefly told her my story. She is also an oncology PA and works with my surgical oncologist. I told her then sent her information about this place, its history, our pied piper..Leroy and now his wife Laurie who has picked up our fallen warrior’s banner, carries it boldly forward and uses it for so much good where there is often so much darkness and despair. I suggested that she come for a visit and read. Once she read, she could direct others in her oncology world to this safe place. Hope shines brightly here. Lifting of hearts, souls and spirits is one of our many staples. I hope she comes for a visit.
March 6, 2012 @ 6:30 am
Leroy and the wonderful people on this site were and still are very connected to me. I may have been away from here for a while but I never forgot this website. Laurie, thank you for keeping us going………………as always……..still Lifting
March 6, 2012 @ 12:53 am
No matter where we are in our journey, it’s a story worth sharing. Even if you help ONE person, give them strength, show them the light, offer the hope, you have paid it forward…it doesn’t get any better.
Once you have crossed the path of cancer, either as a patient or a caregiver, your life is never the same. The people you meet become the “friends you never met”. This past week, I met one of those. It’s been an awesome experience in many ways. She was a friend of Neil’s, also a cancer survivor. Her attitude is amazing and I am blessed because she has shared her journey with mine and she was there for Neil in many ways I couldn’t be.
You DO COUNT.. anyone that has walked the path needs to share the story…it will help, even if it’s just one person.. it will light the pathway….don’t let that light burn out. There are WAY too many people still looking for that ray of light and needing a gentle “lift”.
March 5, 2012 @ 8:58 pm
It’s all the same but it’s different. There are common threads in all of the stories but those threads are woven into millions of patterns. Everyone is unique.