Connections Quarterly

We are here by grace because we did not give up.

We are here because of those who supported us and they did not give up.

We are here because those in medicine learned much from those who came before us who participated in various trials.

We are here because a competent team of doctors did not give up on us.

We are here because concerned, compassionate, competent, caring, smiling nurses treated us like we were their only patient. They infused us with love and hope, not just chemicals. They radiated love during the radiation process.

We are here because we learned to get through the day and hope for tomorrow.

We are here because we saw ourselves as living with cancer, not dying from cancer.

One month after my diagnosis someone said to me, “I don’t know anyone who has survived what you have.” That person must not have gotten around much because there are thousands of us! We are here in spite of some hurtful words we heard.

We are here because cancer does not define us.

We are here because we read about the awful side effects of our treatment and responded, “We will face whatever comes with the love of God, family, and friends.”

We are here because we told God we were not happy and God did not shun or give up on us.

We are here because we stared fear in the eye and fear blinked into hope.

We are here because we have experienced darkness and look to the light.