"Live today like you don't have tomorrow..." | Thursday, August 26, 2010
How would I cope with a staggering diagnosis? What would I say? What would I do? How would my family react? What reserves of strength would I have to draw upon to cope? What courage would I have to muster? I don't think I'd react with the courage and bravery this 26 year old has.... and I'm a 50 something adult, with years of knowledge and wisdom under my belt.
It was a tough week last week, with TWO 26 year old young women in the studio. Both facing some serious struggles, but I was humbled with the fortitude they both demonstrated. I kept thinking about my own girls, 24 and 26. I can't imagine the agony of their Mothers.... Having carried this beautiful thing for 9 months, giving birth, applying bandaids to skinned knees and soothing broken hearts....but cancer is one Boo-Boo, that you can't put a band-aid on. A Boo-Boo that's invisible and is trying to kill your beautiful baby and you'd do anything to take it away or take it on yourself. Where do these kids get this kind of courage and strength?
Heather A. is facing a tough battle. She spends a month at a time, away from her little boy, in the hospital undergoing chemotherapy and then re-building her immune system. Then she goes home for a short couple weeks and then starts all over again.... trying to amuse herself in her sterile hospital room, dreaming of the day when this terrible thing is gone and she can have her life back again. AND, she continues to concentrate on the positive....despite the constant poking, prodding and isolation.
Her smile is so beautiful and her eyes say so much. It's so unfortunate that she says she's experienced such stereotyping... just because she's young, people ASSUME that she's shaved her head to 'make a statement or be rebellious'.
"People say such cruel things... I've been accused of being a racist or part of some skin-head group and I even heard someone say that I'd pulled a 'Brittany'. I'm just not the typical face of cancer.... it's not common to see cancer in young people, so people make unfair judgements and say mean and cruel things. People are just so small-minded".
Cancer CAN and DOES strike at any age. Do we make assumptions? Are we small-minded? Do we have prejudices? Try to always assume the best about people. Give those we encounter the benefit of the doubt. Like Heather, concentrate on the 50% positive of the 50/50 chances we're given.
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12 Comments :
What an incredibly strong lady!!!!!
These turned out awesome heather. :)
'atta girl, heather...show 'em.
I am so very very proud of my daughter. She is even more beautiful on the inside. Heather is so courageous and inspirational to a great deal of people. She is funny, charming, smart, a great mother and so many other things.
I love you sweetheart, you can beat this!!!
Heather-
You are such an amazing girl! Theses pictures are stunning. You are so beautiful (inside and out, just like your mom said!) Stay strong young lady. We love you and are praying you through this.
beautiful.
be strong!
be strong and courageous!
hazak v'ematz!
Hi Heather, you don't know me. I am Jenny's internet friend from India. After Mom told me about your cancer, I say a prayer for you everyday.Keep your chin up Heather and fight this terrible disease. I want you to live and have a happy life. But if you have to go to Jesus then go without pain with peace in your heart. Sanjay Sen
Heather you are so beautiful. Keep on pushing forward and believing in God. God is your strength and healer. Hold on tight to him and never let go. I do believe that you can fight
this battle...stay strong.
HEATHER,I KNOW FROM WATCHING OTHER PEOPLE GO THROUGH WHAT YOUR GOING THROUGH. HOW HARD IT MUST BE. BUT I DO BELIEVE THAT YOU ARE STRONG. AND YOU HAVE WONDERFUL PARENTS WHO LOVE YOU DEEPLY.
YOU ARE IN MY PRAYER EVERY DAY. MAY GOD BLESS YOU.
DENNIS WILBERG
Hey Heather.It is Kim Romano. I always remember what a great friend you were to me. It was very hard for me to adjust to Dansville, comming from Florida. I remember the last time I was up here. I had a great time with you and saw first hand what a wonderful mom you were and what a great friend you were to me. I am up here visiting family, and will be here till September 15th. I would love to see you before I go back to Florida. Stay strong and please get in touch with me. I love ya girl.
HEATHER, YOU ARE SOO BEAUTIFUL. I'M GLAD YOU CAME INTO AMERICAN LASER CENTERS. WE KNOW YOU CAN BEAT THIS! STAY STRONG WERE PRAYING FOR YOU.
ERIKA BARRY AND ALC GIRLS.
Heather:
True beauty shines from within the essence of who you are.
Be a beacon of hope for the ones that are in the same boat and a guiding light for those that are about to join you.
Be strong for your loved ones who fee so helpless.
You have our love and support.
Uncle Kris, Aunt Kathy, Erin and Doug
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