Tonight was the Relay for Life in Shenandoah County. Before I even began treatment, a friend of one my family members asked if I wanted to sign up to walk as a survivor. Before really thinking about it, I said "yes" but then had second thoughts.
I wasn't a survivor yet. Even as of today, after beginning treatments, I can't say that I'm a survivor. I could justify walking if the shirt said "Surviving" but not "Survivor". But I already said "yes" and was going to stick with my commitment. Then yesterday I received another phone call. The 2 people they ask to carry the banner to lead the "Survivor" walk is the oldest survivor and most newly diagnosed survivor. Oh, what dubious ranking did I fall into. One month from being diagnosed and you are the winner. I didn't say "yes" right away. I needed the day to think about it. At the end, I did say "yes" but wanted to make sure that they had a back up in case I wasn't feeling well or just plain couldn't emotionally do it. I said "yes" because if my mom could walk that walk 15 years ago, then by golly I could too!
I must say ..... being one of the "survivors/surviving" to carry that banner tonight and hearing my name announced as the "most recently diagnosed" ....... was one of the hardest things I've ever done. I don't like to be in the front of ANYTHING. Let me fade into the backdrop and I'm happy. No, being up front of this parade was hard. But you know what??? I did it. I did it for my mom and for my family/friends. I did it because it is what it is. If the little 5th grade boy in the middle of the banner can do it, then by golly so can I. I did it because it just isn't fair!
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| My Family and Friends....My Caregivers! |
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| Thank you to everyone who bought a luminary in my honor |
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| In memory of my mom |
6 comments:
Way to go Sharon...so proud of you ...you are surviving each day!!!!!
Hugs,
marion
I couldn't imagine having been anywhere else but with. I am so proud of you, your strength is an inspiration. And.......now you know where you can get a "Dreancycle" when you are having a hard time.
xoxoxo,
C-
I am humbled by your strength and courage, Sharon. It soooo ISN'T fair, but the way you tackle each of these challenges is truly amazing!
Sending hugs and lots of love...
Rosemary
I know that I am not joining your journey at the beginning, so I had to go back and read every post and comment starting at April 27th. I even joined you in the middle of the night by starting my readings at 2:30 in the morning. Please feel the addition of my thoughts and prayers for you as you “Shrink, shrink, shrink, …… Shrink, shrink, shrink,…..shrink that tumor!”
You’re really “being up front of this parade” and you sharing your parade walk and entire journey a blessing to all who join you. Hopefully, you will feel the blessings in return.
Amy U
You DID it!!!!! Taking your lap step by step and taking each day as they come. You are WARRIOR strong Sharon, and inspiring so many others as you travel in your personal journey from "surviving" to SURVIVOR!!!!!
Many, many hugs,
Rita
I am so very proud to call you my friend. Your courage and strength will see you through this chapter in your life. I showed Sean the pic of you holding the flag. He said "Her look beautiful". I did not correct his pronoun choice. You are beautiful inside and out. Xoxo
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