Hi Friends-If you have a loved one currently in a cancer journey, please read the article in todays Columbus Dispatch-Cancer Fighting Words. First let me say that Lori and our family will be forever grateful for the love, support, cards, meals, wonderful deeds, e-mails, texts, gifts and gift cards for Loris family. You were and continue to be amazing and are helping us to heal. Having said that, we are all caught in a dilemma when talking to people impacted by this disease. Know your person..Lori NEVER referred to herself as a survivor-not because miracles dont happen, not because she wasnt doing everything in her power to live, and not because she didnt pray for healing, but she was a physician and a realist. We all have cancer cells in our bodies and cancer journey folks know all too well that there is a beast lurking. Lori celebrated her NED (no evidence of disease) times and grabbed onto life with a fierce joy. She lived life on her terms. Lori had a bucket list and checked things off with determination, she loved, she worked every day to make a difference for others, even as her life was was slowing down. She planned for her children and friends and family after her death. All the while, she hoped for the best outcome. Heres the deal-to say to someone, You can lick this, be strong , keep fighting, if we pray hard enough then you will recover puts pressure on someone who wants to be loved and valued where they are. Terminal cancer is a journey none of us wants to join. Find out where the person you care about is. In the beginning, especially with an athlete, the fighting terms can be motivating. Cancer is so unpredictable and sometimes, no matter what is done in treatment, what healthy lifestyle they have (pre-cancer, Lori was the healthiest person I know-exercise, diet, lifestyle), cancer claims their body. Be supportive, laugh with that person (they do not become cancer and it does NOT define them), make sure you connect often, offer your love and support, its ok to just be there if you dont know what to say. Take your clues from your loved one. If I have one regret in Loris cancer journey, it is that I thought we had more time, I THOUGHT she would be resting in bed eventually and we could talk more about her fears, her concerns, and we could do more in reassuring her we would always be there for Liam and Nora. Lori never went to bed and never gave up. So love now and talk now. Love to all of you, my friends and thank you.
Posted on: Tue, 29 Oct 2013 14:51:18 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015