Whenever there is a gathering of cancer survivors, there is
a common bond. It goes beyond having had
cancer. It is not something as explainable
as that. And there are some people that don’t take their mental growth it to
the next level. But many do. Many come out on the other side, once it is
in remission, not quite the same. And those that continue to battle it, do not
either.
I think the fear of death is lessened. Facing your mortality is something everyone
experiences with a diagnosis of cancer. Looking at yourself in the mirror and
realizing you have that C word is scary and early on, it is normal to question
if the doctor is wrong and there is more of it in you. Will you survive the
treatment? We all have heard of people that have died from the treatment and
not from the cancer.
The questions, the what ifs cause an unending bundle of
nerves and anxiety. The only way to gain
some control is to let go of trying to control. What a paradox, having to let
go when you want to control. Cancer teaches you that you don’t. You didn't pick the time of your
So you begin to evaluate the way you live. I think you
gravitate towards survivors that have experienced what you have or people that
share your sentiments, be positive with the life you have left. Negativity
leads to sadness. Anxiety and stress
leads to illness and immunity issues.
Those lead to cancer and cancer kills. You learned that firsthand. Let God pick your time of death, not
you. Poor lifestyle choices will make
that time come much quicker.
One of the best places, I found, to surround myself with
cancer survivors is Camp Bluebird sponsored by a local hospital, St. Thomas in
Nashville, TN. When I attend it is like
being back home at a family reunion or with an entire collection of best
friends, diverse but as close as can be
Instantly, upon arriving and being greeted with hugs, there
was that immediate connection. It is an
unspeakable bond though most of the time our diagnosis is not discussed. You
may wonder why and simply the reality is, because it doesn't need to be. None
of us let our diagnosis define us as people.
We have lived through cancer, experienced it, we do not need
to talk about it. Some there are still living with is, some may not survive it
and some of us may get a re-occurrence
Now, when I am outside or looking out a window and I see a
bluebird suddenly appear, I smile. I
think of all my dear friends at Camp Bluebird, of all we share and how we
care. I then say a prayer thanking God
for the treasure of each and every one of them. Link to Video from Camp By V. Gliatti
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| Nurse Staff at Camp that volunteer for free at Camp |
