I am a Cancer survivor. I capitalize Cancer survivor as it is a capitalized event in anyone’s life.
I am fortunate as I’ve survived 30 years. When my doctor told me I needed a mastectomy, I mumbled something about having to travel to Ohio to take care of my mother before I could think about surgery; plus, I had a business to run. His response, loud and clear, “If you were my sister or mother, you’d have the surgery tomorrow!” I scheduled the surgery. Numerous phone calls delayed my visit to Ohio.
When self-employed, no sick leave exists. My assistant needs to be paid. The accounting requires attention. Appointments are canceled. Carol, my wonderful assistant, brings files and flowers. Periodically, she sits by my bedside while I work and recuperate. She holds the business together.
My husband’s mother had died of Cancer, which affected his thoughts about the situation, but he pushes his fear aside while he copes, cooks and carries the heaviest load. The boys seem to ignore their mom’s illness. Our daughter decides Cancer would not interfere with her teenage activities.
Friends from church supply food, flowers and friendship. When a friend brings me a teddy bear, I think, how silly! But I hug that bear during the hopeless moments of doubt and despair.
My neglected mother lived for several more years. She served as a great role model for me as she survived Cancer when I was 13 years old. She, too, was self-employed when she had Cancer, returning to work soon after her operation. The fact she survived encouraged me.
I never thought I would die, but fear continues to dominate me before physical examinations. What if it returns? Does my worry help? Of course not.
Why am I sharing this with you? I want you to realize how critical our health is. Our careers and families are important but our health takes precedence.
All of us struggle with priorities. I wish I could get paid for my skills in worrying about everything. Sometimes it takes a crisis, such as Cancer, a heart attack or stroke, to help us improve our journeys. I worry about our society and the world today. What can I do to contribute? What can we do?
Here’s my plea. Let’s look deep into our hearts. How can we solve our problems today? We must vote, eat healthy, exercise, and most of all respect each other.
Let’s commit to helping others this month, eating right, and exercising. Let’s get our flu shots. Take that annual exam. What I’m asking is not easy. Finding time for healthy living is a chore. But if we take baby steps our world will be a better place.
Glover writes about uncommon people and places on her travels Her latest book is an ebook titled Doors on the Danube, is available only on her website. To read her other articles, please visit https://ruthglover.com. Her book Gift of the Suitcase is available through Amazon and by request through her website.