Sasha, I have no idea if you’re still reading this blog, but you were in my thoughts today.
I was thinking about how you coined the term “LIFTING” in all your posts and how we all came to use the phrase when we would talk about supporting one another in times of stress, sadness, fatigue and any other hard part of living in cancer’s grasp.
It seems there are so many people in my circle of friends and acquaintances who are fighting the cancer fight these days. They are either just entering into their first treatment stages or the disease is starting to really take a toll on family, care givers and friends.
No matter where they are in the fight, they all need LIFTING.
Some have chosen to try to keep their diagnosis private for now, and it’s hard to “LIFT” when you can’t gather a team of lifters.
But I guess that’s also a part of supporting a friend. Their wishes need to be honored.
It all goes back to what I tell everyone I meet who faces this challenge. “YOU can not do this alone.”
And “LIFTING” is a big part of conquering this battle.
July 13, 2015 @ 10:06 am
A friend from church heard the diagnosis of his wife that she has Stage IV lymphoma. The newness of this is so unsettling for them but they’ll rely upon their faith and a good team of doctors and nurses to walk this path in the cancer world. Lots of prayers have been “lifted” for them. It may sometimes seem that “lifting” is just a way of being nice and empathetic to the situation. I submit that it is just as important as the treatments. Lifting enables the patient/caregiver and family to endure the ups and downs of this journey. Just letting them know that they are not forgotten and not alone are potent weapons for their spirits. Continue to lift those in need. Sasha coined a beautiful yet so strong a word for all to use. What a difference you’ve made Sasha!!!
July 12, 2015 @ 1:26 am
Laurie: I stumbled on your website about the time I was diagnosed in 2012 when I was searching for information and inspiration. I visit here regularly for inspiration, your insight and empathy touches more people than you realise. Your so very correct with lifting the spirits of everyone touched by cancer including patients, family, friends and carers. A big hug for you from me also for being out there in cancer world.
July 11, 2015 @ 10:31 am
I hope Sasha is still here because she is one of “us old timers”. It seems we all need to lift so many in our circle of family, and friends and we always find the strength. I would have survived as a caregiver no matter what but that circle around me increased my strength for sure. Laurie I know you devote so much time to cancer patients here’s a big hug and thank you for all you do!