1. Yesterday's worries are no
longer important.
I cannot think of a better way to put your life
in perspective than to face with your own mortality. I now laugh at things
that I once found frustrating, such as a messy house or an overdue bill.
2. Each day is a treasure.
When
I was a small child, there was a carnival that came near our house. While
there, I carefully savored every moment of the whirling rides, the flashing
lights and the happy cacophony of music and voices to remember later. Every
day should feel that way!
3. Birthdays are a happy occasion
again.
My
children look forward to their birthdays all year, counting down the days
and even stating their ages in fractions, such as 10 1/2 or "almost
eleven". I now look forward to my birthday, too, as evidence that I
am still a survivor!
4. Cancer gives you a chance
to say goodbye.
Let's face it: many people leave this world without
warning. Cancer gives you time to make amends, renew old friendships, and
spend time together. Petty quarrels dim alongside the grim diagnosis. Friends
visit and call again.
5. Cancer teaches you to face
your fears.
Once you have faced and overcome the fear of the
dreaded cancer diagnosis and, worse yet, the humility of medical testing
and treatments, there is little that can frighten you.
6. Cancer proves that beauty
really is on the inside.
The measure of a person's worth is not
found in their outward appearance. Just like the hoary head of an aged person
was once revered as a sign of wisdom, the bald head of a cancer patient
should be a triumphant revelation of courage.
7. You learn to take care of
yourself again.
For years, I ignored my health in pursuit of "bigger
and better" things. Now, I eat right, take my vitamins, keep my doctor's
appointments, and monitor my blood pressure and blood sugar daily.
8. Cancer renews your interest
in spritual matters.
Church and spiritual matters had become
ho-hum for me. Now that I am not able to attend church regularly, I dream
of the days when I was there several times per week. Not only that, but
my prayers are different. I pray more fervently for other people's suffering
because I have suffered. I am deeply grateful for small blessings and days
when I am feeling well.
9. Cancer motivates you to pursue
your dreams.
Many years ago, I gave up my dream of writing a
novel. There was just never any time between work, parenting, home, and
other obligations. Now that I have more time on my hands, I am writing again
-- not the sappy love poetry that flowed like a river in my youth, but still
it's my own voice, speaking out again. What are the things you have always
wanted to do? Travel? Sailing? Bungee Jumping? Why not now?
10. You can throw caution to
the wind.
I
never cared much what people think, and I now I don't care at all! Oh, I
am still a good citizen, of course, but I am not looking around from my
wheelchair to see if anyone is staring or laughing. If they are, I am glad
to provide them with entertainment. Life is too short for vanity.
In fact, life is too short, period.
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