Recently, my thoughts have been going about a mile a minute due to some more than somber circumstances. A close friend of the family has recently been diagnosed with two different forms of cancer. One form is so rare that the outcome of the treatment plan is uncertain. I have spoken to him a few times and have made two visits. He has even stated to others that out of all his visitors, my visits have meant the most to him. Is it because we share the experience of cancer and all the emotions, thoughts and fears that come with it? During our first visit, I just sat and listened to him. At times, I held his hand. I understood what he was saying. I understood his fears and the concern for his family that he may leave behind.
It became clear to me after my second visit, that I became his 'hope'. His hope of surviving the two different forms of cancer that has violated his body. I am proof that even though cancer violated me twice, I still survived. Even knowing I had survived from the help of my donor, I'm still here.
I want to be that beacon of 'hope' for others as well or at least assist those suffering from cancer in finding their beacon of 'hope.. I want to empower them to fight, no matter how tired or lousy they may feel.
When reflecting on my own experience with cancer, I do not look at it as a negative. It has been enlightening and has opened my eyes to the strengths I didn't know I had.
This is what I want to do. This is my passion. This is what I'm meant to do and my purpose. I want to be there for those who are suffering from the effects of cancer, whether it's the patient, or the patient's family. This is how I want to give back.
I'm trying to find my niche. I'm not one that some would consider 'out-going' or the 'life of the party'. I'm more the type of person to be behind the scenes thinking and planning. I having been thinking and planning for some time, and hopefully, will be taking the next steps to put my plan into action.
So in the words of Maya Angelou "my mission in life isn't merely to survive; but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style".
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This is how I feel too Deanna. To try and give the survivors of suicide hope. Our hurts are unique to each of us but, our plan is the same. Thank you for sharing your story.
ReplyDeleteHey there - I'm just having a read of your posts now from my blog (nikhilthegrizzlybear.blogspot.com.au).
ReplyDeleteAnd just reading this one - I'm driven by the same purpose! I'd been thinking about writing my own blog for a few months and now that I have done that - I'm getting opportunities to help people (and not only cancer patients - been getting messages asking for advice or saying thanks on how my posts have helped them with people's usual problems too!) and it's really uplifting to be able to do so.
What I've managed to do is contact the leukemia foundation of my country - Australia - and they really appreciate any help you can give and allow you to do so in many ways - even with employment as a social worker sort of thing if that's what you're looking for. I've recently had the opportunity to talk to a patient who was recently diagnosed and shared my own posts with him and I think I've picked his spirits up a lot and just that alone makes it all worthwhile! So definitely get in contact with your local cancer foundation or fund or whatever it is and I'm sure they'll be very happy to have you help out in a variety of ways.
Peace =]