The C word

For Wendy      

Nothing can prepare you for it. The C word. The word that people dare not say except in hushed tones. They whisper, “He/she has cancer …”, as if the word itself carried a carcinogen.
I was 31 years old. Young, strong, foolhardy and blessed (cursed?) with a sense of immortality. But one day, after a grueling workout, I was in pain and made a Dr. Appt. 2 hours later my doctor clearly enunciated the word to my wife and I. I had Cancer. Like anyone else, anytime, I wasn’t prepared.

Little did I know that I would soon be the target of the whispers.

My friends, my coworkers, my family all treated me differently. They tiptoed around me. I would catch them looking away when I caught their gaze as they gossiped. I hated it. When people talk about you as if you’re already dead, how do you make them understand that you’re not?

Let me tell you, Wendy.
You have already done it.
You went on Social Media and defiantly shook your fist, full of your flaming red hair, and called The Bastard out. THAT was your first step towards recovery. The power of positivity is often the tool that determines outcomes. Defiance, well that just stacks the deck.
Don’t lament the hair. It isn’t your identity and hopefully it is only temporary. Your red hair may have served as a fair warning to the unlucky soul that might underestimate you. But without it, you’re the same person only more determined.

You are going to find the strength within to get through this. The strength is already there, it’s abundantly evident to anyone who knows you. If you are able to channel the energy that you have used in your marriage, your personal life, your business ventures, and the kindnesses that you routinely bestow upon everyone else into your recovery…then you got this. At this difficult time, you will become the person you need to be to fight this fight. While those of us who love you will genuinely do anything for you that you need, only you can beat this.
Believe it. Will it. Force it. Find it. It’s in there. It’s been waiting for the moment to reveal how fierce you can be. Let it out.  
Don’t let the Bastard Win.