at this time of the year, for many of us, the C word that is more frequently on our lips is CHRISTMAS. (I can't believe it either, one part of me still feels like it's 2013)
It's a joyous time of year, with indulgences and spending and sharing and laughing.
But that's not the C word I'm meaning.
I'm not talking about that other C word that is very rude and rhymes with "blunt" either.
I'm talking about CANCER.
As I'm writing, I'm shifting awkwardly in my chair, wondering how to approach this subject. You might be shifting in your chair too, as the C word might strike pretty close to home for you.
Like depression, motivation, compassion and self love, this is one of those touchy subjects that I could waffle on about when really, I feel like a bit of a fraud as I haven't lived them all to the extent as you or someone you may know who has mattered to you has.
My dad, the strong, brave father of 4 was diagnosed with a tumor in his sacrum 10 years ago. Initially we thought the pain in his lower back was a sports injury- he was playing soccer, golf, cricket and running. When we found out what it was, there were a million "what ifs"
How much time? What will change? What can we do?
Through radiation, chemotherapy, two stem cell transplants and a truck load of prayer, Dad has lived the most fulfilled, loving and daring life, proving that when you learn that your life might be cut short, you can either sit back and reflect on your memories or you can go shop at Kathmandu, learn to use and ipad, and travel around the world to make new memories.
In his case: climbing Mt Fuji, going to Wimbledon, learning the piano, walking the Camino trail (100km) in Spain, taking a train across Australia, opening up and reaching out to family, and working full time (to name a few)
In terms of how Cancer has affected me- I have learned that you don't have time to hold personal grievances (especially between family members)
Grudges get you nowhere.
Sing all you can, spend your money on memories not things. I am closer with my siblings considering we live so far away from each other, and small talk is nice, but figuring out how you can positively help the person you are talking to is so much better- whether it's by making them laugh, distracting them with a story, being interested in them or questioning them.
I'm going to keep it simple.
Cancer sucks. It affects people who don't "deserve" it (Dad doesn't drink, smoke and is fit.)
There are people at your work, school, cafe and church who are living with it.
If you don't donate any money, donate your smile. Donate your ears, your cooking skills, your hugs.
Cherish your time, your body and your loved ones for all those who can't.
So when the stress, frivolity and materialism of Christmas starts to get under your skin, let these words put it in perspective.
"For Christmas, some of us want a new bike, a new phone, a new look, but someone living with cancer wants just one thing, to win the battle"
As I sign off this post, I'm going to send out a strong thought/prayer for those in my life affected by the C word. You are welcome to do it with me
Jj
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