by Helaine Hepworth
When I thought cancer was approaching my life I ran and hid.
I lied, made excuses, withdrew, and denied it.
Turns out, cancer is a part of life. We are all touched by it somehow. We lose friends, family and co workers. I have always believed that we are taught lessons in our life experiences. Then we are obligated to pass on what we learned.
Many years ago both Wally and I had coworkers with late stage cancers.We visited, shared and somehow dealt with them on a totally honest level. Both people expressed thankfulness at our acceptance and honesty.
When cancer came closer to us with family members we used those lessons well, it helped us, it helped them. Toughest of all was our oldest child. A mere 25 years we had him. Yet we were able to talk honestly, and when he decided to refuse treatment and travel for his last few months. We gave him some money, a suitcase and our blessings. When my aunt made the decision to stop treatment it was easier to accept it, help care for her, and bake her muffins.
So why, when it was me did I hesitate. Hesitate? No, more like I froze. It did take me a long time to process it all. I kept it a secret for a long time. Trusting only a few people in my life. Slowly I crawled out of the Cancer Closet.
I am no longer hiding.
Saying over and over “It is what it is” “It is my turn.”
“Put on your big girl panties and deal with it.”
So here I am, hoping that I can give knowledge, hope, humor, care, and love to others out there that may be hiding. Expect a story now and then with the good, the bad, and the ugly but always with the truth.