I was going to write a rant about religion tonight but I decided that's not what I want to do. I'm a Christian, I'll put that out there but that's all. We hear rants about religion all the time. Lets talk about a much more interesting and upbeat subject instead, Cancer.
Lets look at all the positive things cancer has done for me, things like giving me this awesome scar, an excuse for forgetting anything, got me outta traffic tickets, and it's. . .oh shoot I forgot what else I was gonna say. But seriously had I not gotten cancer there are many GREAT things that would not have happened. For instance, I woundn't have been to New York City twice, and Las Vegas once, driven across the country and seen amazing things. I wouldn't have met some AMAZING people like Heather Swift, Cara and Billy Paymaster, Johnny Immerman, Tamika Felder, Matthew Zachary, Kenny Kane, Dawn Scott and SO MANY other amazing people I am blessed to now call my friends. These people inspire me on a day to day basis, all of them either having FOUGHT or are FIGHTING cancer now, or have been effected by cancer in another way. Also I wouldn't have realized how amazing some of my friends are, like Eric Manta, Chris Pusczak, Michelle Nephew and their families. When I was diagnosed they were my MAIN support structure, they never let me lay around the house, they were constantly taking me places, they helped me stay positive at all times and remember that I'm way BIGGER than cancer and there's no chance I'm loosing this battle. Thanks to them I'll never forget that.
Then there's the Ridings family, this crazy bunch of amazing people took me in and made me one of them. . .I mean it wasn't hard though, I'm already crazy and amazing so that took care of two of the main criteria. But seriously I'll never forget Sherry, who I am now SO honored to call Mom, telling me "Well you're gonna need the love and care of a Mom while you go through this!!!" Like it was an order and I had no choice in the matter. So I did, I moved in with her and her family and let her bark orders at me and treat me like her child, because like I said, I'm crazy. That and she is one of the STRONGEST, most LOVING, CARING people on this planet. Even before I moved in to her house she was VERY close to me. We connected at work because of a mutual respect we shared for other, we both cared about people, and that's hard to find where we worked.
So with I gained yet another FAMILY thinks to cancer. Rachel has become not just one of it not my BEST friend, I have found she also understand my motivations and shares many of my views and opinions of the world. Lucas has become VERY MUCH my little brother, when I was his age my I had my brother in law Chuck to help me, and I enjoy being able to do the same for Luke. Megan is just plain AWESOME, she no longer lives here because she has a family of her own, but when she see's me she ALWAYS manages to remind me how much she cares.
All these people are MORE than amazing, and they're just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the connections I've made thanks to cancer. Yes cancer is difficult, it has set my life back twice now, it's scary and it sucks. But it has also had it's benefits in my life. I believe that if I can find SO MUCH positive in a cancer diagnoses I can find positive in ANYTHING now. I think we all can in every struggle we face, more than just becoming a stronger person, there are other things. Maybe on the surface, maybe buried deep. For instance besides the obvious such as traveling and new friendships. There are other things, things that I'm only just now thinking about and realizing. For instance I've once again found my passion for helping others, something I always loved to do but never thought to pursue a career in. Not everything is easy too see but it's there, something positive is ALWAYS there somewhere, you just gotta look for it.
So next time you're struggling and wondering how you're going to make it through something remember too look for ANYTHING positive that can come from this. It may take time and it WILL take determination but you can find it. So FIND THE POSITIVE, focus on it, and remember it. Because it will get your through the struggle and on to better times.
I find out on Monday what the plan for treatment is. I can't wait, but for now I'm enjoying sitting around, surrounded by a GREAT family, becoming a better cook, listening to good music, and watching good movies. I ain't got no worries cause I ain't in no hurry, just living life one day at a time. Staying positive ++SMILING++ and LOVING EVERYONE!!!
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