This subject came up yesterday as I chatted with a new friend during chemotherapy, but it keeps resonating in my cancer-riddled brain: I feel like I'm in a really lousy club that happens to have really amazing members. Cancer has touched family members who are dear to me. Cancer has touched good friends of mine. Cancer has introduced me to new friends who are also brave in their battles. Cancer has touched the president of our church. Even my radiation oncologist is a cancer survivor. It goes on.
I recently learned that one of my favorite high school teachers has cancer. He was our choir director and our Cloggers West director. The one who introduced me to my two favorite talents, who gave me my favorite high school memories, and who put me in touch with my gaggle of girlfriends and the boy that I would marry. I had the pleasure of visiting with him on the phone before we left for Utah, and then again in person when he came to our concert in Salt Lake City. He has been a beloved teacher and mentor to many, and his influence has had ripple effects more than two decades after graduation. I always think of him gratefully every time I put on my clogging shoes, when I direct my church choir, and when I glance at a picture of my high school buddies; and I'm so glad I was able to express my appreciation to him during our visit.
As I survey the amazing people who have been in this battle -- from those just joining the ranks to those in the crossfire and those whose battle is long over -- I can't help but wonder if I should just consider myself lucky to be among such a group.
For a while I wondered if it were a chicken-and-egg question: Do only great people get cancer? Or does cancer just make people great? I think cancer is allowed to touch great people, because they are strong enough to handle such a trial. And I think cancer is allowed to touch anyone and make them great, because of its refining capabilities. So as much as I cringe saying this, it almost becomes an honor to be one of the crowd.
Someday -- hopefully a LONG time from now -- when we're all sitting in the great beyond, reflecting back on our lives and deaths, I look forward to the association with others who endured this experience called cancer. We'll have a little club: the SUCUWED's (SUrvived Cancer Until WE Died). No initiation process, since the shock and awe and all the other stuff that comes with diagnosis and treatment is worse than any hazing incident on the news. But membership has its rewards. We get experiences that come from no other source. We get miracles (regardless of whether we are cured or killed). We get cancer glasses that let us see everything as more precious than ever. We take nothing for granted. We have the ultimate appreciation for our Savior, Jesus Christ. We get astounded by outpourings of love from those around us.
I pray for Terry, my teacher, and his family. I think I know what to pray for, since I'm in the same club. I hope others who read this will pray for them, too.
3 comments:
I was so sad to hear the news of Mr. Tucker. I honestly can not believe how many people who are dear to my heart are in the battle of their lives. I don't get it!
I really don't want to join the club, but I can see the benefits the members enjoy.
I often wonder if cancer is the way for Heavenly Father to call home stubborn spirits. Maybe the person was supposed to be hit by a car or crash in an airplane, but the plan got botched somehow, so He had to come up with a plan that He could control.
I can't imagine President Hinkley needed to be humbled through cancer...maybe his wife misses him terribly and cancer was the only way to quickly bring him home.
On a lighter note, perhaps Mr. Tucker heard of your plan to direct the choir for the second coming and he wants to beat you to the punch.
I love you, girl. My heart and prayers continue to go out to you and your family.
Keep the faith!
Jeri
Oh, Krista, I was so hoping that the Temodar would continue to work for you. In itself it is not pleasant and I don't like thinking about what the rougher forms of chemo are like. I'm very interested in how you tolerate the Avastin as the very same treatment is my next line of defence. I'll be reading here often. Best of luck. -- Robert
I've got to be thankful for the internet. Without it, there wouldn't be this blog. Without this blog, I doubt I'd've had the chance to get to know you in this life (geographically speaking if nothing else). I feel blessed by the opportunity to see these pieces of your life that you share with us. Wherever this road takes you, I'll be there with you in spirit and through your steady, shining example I'll keep learning things I'd never thought I'd needed but which I know will be a huge benefit. However it is we each get there, I'll be sure to look you up in heaven!
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