On November 8, 2011, at 7pm I heard the word everyone dreads: “Cancer”. As I was just about to sit down at my monthly organizing meeting, my Dad called to tell me that our worst fears had been confirmed. My Mom had been diagnosed with liver cancer. I was in complete shock…. and still am.
It’s amazing how quickly life can change, isn’t it? Things that seemed so important no longer are. You’re not too sure how to function normally – or what ‘normal’ even is anymore. I remember feeling like I was seeing the world through a bubble – nothing seemed real. I’ve heard people write about it but I had been lucky enough never to have experienced it until now.
Surprisingly, my work became a much needed security blanket and I continue to be grateful that I get to wake up every day and know that I’m doing something that I love and that I’m helping people along the way. When you suddenly realize that life is short, there is great comfort in knowing you’re spending your days in a meaningful way.
It also amazes me to see and hear how many people this has affected in such direct ways. The number of my clients who have suffered through the cancer of their siblings, their spouses or even themselves. I cannot express what it means to me to be able to help these people. To be able to do a job that helps them move forward. And it is also incredibly meaningful for me to see that things can get better, that life does move on and that true happiness is possible again.
For those that are suffering through this illness right now – whether it’s a friend, family member or yourself – my thoughts and prayers go out to you. Stay strong. Have hope. Find peace.
