There’s Al…the seasoned cancer warrior. You have been a part of this community for so many years and I still get a lump in my throat every time you post a comment. I’ve been very nervous these past couple of weeks because you haven’t been here. I was worried that maybe the exact topic you wrote about from “The Gift of Life” was happening.
I thought, “What if Al’s cancer pushed him to the point of no return this time?”
But here you are today, giving friend, Jason, who has the same fighting spirit as you, Al…such great words of wisdom.
Jason is made of the same mind and heart muscle as you, Al. You both have pushed through some seriously hard days on the cancer road and have come through thanks to a will to live and the idea that you just happen to have cancer. It doesn’t have you.
Both of you have never felt defined by the disease. I know about that because I watched the love of my life, live his final years exactly that way too. It’s the only way to be.
So, Jason, meet Al….you two are so much a like.
You both happen to be visiting cancer world, but you don’t live there.
June 12, 2013 @ 2:37 am
I found myself nodding my noggin all the way trhuogh.
June 6, 2013 @ 11:31 am
Thank you all for your very kind words! Remember…I’m not special but far from it. I don’t do anything different than all who are facing cancer (I’ve just been at it for a longer time and have benefited from so many others who passed their words of wisdom along to me I’m just trying to pay it forward).
Jason….hope to meet you here in Leroy’s Gardenl. You are in my prayers. My prayer list is very long but God is also very patient in listening. The struggle and the fight are worth it even though it may not seem like it at the time. Being proactive in your treatment and fight will empower your spirit; your spirit will give you HOPE; HOPE will fuel your body and mind. Yes, there will be some dark days perhaps some terrible days (I pray not) but they won’t last forever and the sun light of HOPE will appear once again. I don’t know if you are a religious person or not but the power of prayer is an awesome thing…just open your heart, soul and mind and have a personal conversation with God…remember He is listening….and peace will reign in your heart. I know…I really do know personally.
Jason, please come here as you need to. We are a very caring group. Lots of wisdom here; lots of lifting here in times of trouble. We walked the path you are on. Let us help you as best we can.
PS….Thank you Laurie. I always remember that the Big Guy started it all so all credit and honor to him for his selflessness;
June 5, 2013 @ 10:50 am
Isn’t it amazing that this connection can be made so easily? There is so much community and potential to our online world.
June 4, 2013 @ 7:59 pm
Al keeps Leroy’s Garden blooming. I am always so moved by his faith.
June 4, 2013 @ 6:09 pm
I think Al brings all of us joy with his writing and his spirit..thank you Al! A friend of a friend is the caregiver of her husband who has brain cancer and it was diagnosed rather late and has just spun out of control. She must work to keep her insurance so my friend has given her such a huge gift by hiring a caretaker for her husband, planting her rosebushes and cooking meals. There are truly angels and blessings among us.
June 10, 2013 @ 1:34 pm
Beautiful. No matter what the enpceiexre, there is always something to be learned. This kind of sharing is a gift. Thanks for sharing your enpceiexre and thoughts; you never know who may see a gem in your teachings. Namaste.