This is a post I've been meaning to write for a while, but was unsure of where to start. Well today I found that extra push to write. So today I am coming to you with an open heart, and ask that you forgive me if I ramble because this is a matter that is close to my heart.
Last night I found out that there is a three year old girl in my hometown who really needs prayer and support. Her name is Abby and she has a rare form of brain cancer called Pineoblastoma. It only took me a few moments of reading, and viewing pictures on the Angels For Abby Grace Facebook page to realize that she is an amazing little girl. Among the first things I saw was a journal entry from Abby's father about a letter he sent out to his co-workers that was eventually shared with the community. It reflected on a moment he had with Abby, a very touching moment that shows the pureness inside a child's heart. Here is an excerpt from that letter.
I had just changed a DVD for her and as I turned to return to my seat that is standing adjacent to the bed, she spoke softly. "You are not sick, are you, Daddy." It wasn't a question, just a plain statement of truth. I replied, "Yes, honey, I'm not sick." I knew what conversation was about to happen.
She continues, "Sister isn't sick, right?" "No, sister isn't sick," I answered. "Good. Sister is home?" she asks. "Yes, she is home with Mommy and Papa tonight." "Mommy and Papa aren't sick are they?" she worried. "No. They are good as well," I calmly explained. "That is good," she finishes with a relief. I inferred already what she was getting at. "But, I am sick, Daddy."
I didn't hesitate, and I held her hand and rubbed her bald head, "Yes, honey, you are sick." And without hesitation she whispered, "But I am going to get better because I have medicine, and I drink water, and I eat food." I smiled and comfortingly answered, "Yes, you are surely going to get better." And, proudly, as she always finishes one of these talks, "And my hair will grow back and my boo-boo in my head will go bye-bye."
She then looked down and noticed the Angels for Abby Grace bracelet that was around my wrist. She asked what it was. I told her that it is a special band that many people are wearing that remind them about her and that they are always thinking and praying for her. "My angels, Daddy?" "Yes, your angels honey. You have many, many angels out in this world right now who want you to get better real soon." After a small pause and a gentle smile, "That is wonderful, Daddy. Thank you to my angels. I love them." And with that, she closed her eyes and fell asleep.
You can read that letter for yourself here. My heart broke after reading this, but I also realized that this little girl has more hope and fight in her than some adults do. I truly believe that some people were put on this earth to inspire and give others a sense of hope and strength; and I think she may be one of those people.
I learned along time ago that cancer doesn't discriminate. Young, old, white, black, male, or female; cancer affects everyone. This is something that really hits home for me. I've sat and watched my mother, uncles, grandmother, and cousin be hit with this awful disease. I was very young when my mother was diagnosed with cancer and I just knew that something was wrong and she needed to have surgery. I remember asking my mom a little later why they had to remove her breast, and she basically told me it was either that or I'd have no mom. During her chemo and radiation she continued to work, cook, and do everything as normal. And now that I understand what that means, I praise my mother and the strength she had. She was lucky. She didn't lose her hair, she didn't lose weight, and she wasn't weak. Instead, she pulled the strength she had together and kept her hopes high.
In 2009 my mother's younger brother was diagnosed with stage IV cancer, and his battle was far worse than my mom's was. I saw my uncle go from being very active to being pushed in a wheel chair because he was too weak to walk. Within a couple of months he didn't look like my uncle anymore, it was hard to see him that way. My family and I regularly participate in the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life, and my aunt decided to bring my uncle out to be with the whole family. My uncle said that he wanted to do a lap around the track even though he was wheelchair bound. So one of his friends pushed while myself and a few family members walked next to him. My uncle and his friend talked, and I heard my uncle say that he was "not giving up." In the moments following my uncle randomly grabbed my hand as I walked next to him, and it took everything in me to not cry in that moment. Yet til this day I cry every time I think about it. A couple months after that he was gone, but he fought til the very end and was surrounded by his family as he he went on to a better place.
As much as it sucks, cancer is everywhere. I hope that one day we will be able to say that it is a thing of the past. So much heartbreak, but yet there are also many miracles that happen with cancer patients. I hope these stories have brought some awareness to the good/bad side of cancer. My heart goes out to the caretakers because they have to be the rock that doesn't break. I hope every patient stays strong in their battle, because often times mental strength can help fight the physical. And to those seeing others with this disease, I hope you pray, stay positive, be a comedian, and save your tears.
Until next time...
