No Fight
As I walked down the road of life
I loved the trip, whether working or playing
Then one day I came upon an obstacle in my path
At first it was unknown exactly what I was facing
Some call it Cancer, I call it Challenge
As that’s what it is, a major life Challenge for me
My first time through I was aggressive and angry
There was no surrender or quit in me
Committed myself first to living
Every day make the effort to make the Positive choice
Second commitment was made to sharing
My email group is where I gave my lessons learned a voice
Once strength and health returned to solid ground
I reached into my idea vault where I found
A plan that had been there for over a year
A charity called RealTime Cancer for my peers
We had a year spent in high schools developing
A program that used presentations and email to do the sharing
Truly amazing experiences I had that year
With students eager to learn and to share
Many things on my life’s journey were flowing along
To look from the outside, or in, it seemed almost normal
And to be honest I loved that part of the road
It was full-filling, inspiring and exceptional
And then just as the 1st time a surprise came
Familiar lung pain and detected trouble in my blood once again
My 2nd Cancer challenge was presented to me
And this time it wasn’t a fight, it was me continuing my Journey
Cancer is no enemy, it’s my friend
So many valuable experiences and lessons
Instead of fear and anger this time it gets my Love
As I’ve learned that with the tough stuff comes true blessings
There have been serious downs and lows
Pain in places I never thought I’d go
But I’ve always believed there’s good in what we call “bad”
And looking for the Positive is best I want you to know
Sure it will take effort and be a Challenge on it’s own
But in my experience I’ve learned about the Opportunities
That are so often hidden in our life’s disasters
Finding those gems make your Challenge an extra special Journey
So whatever Challenge you’re facing today
Staying Positive is absolutely the best way
It’s OK to cry, be upset and angry
But those things are meant to be temporary
Push yourself to see the good parts of your struggles
Make the effort to turn the tables
Life’s about growing, learning and loving
If they are your priorities then you’re already winning
Enjoy the road, as I’ve found the best part is the Journey
Destinations are important, but they don’t consume me
Travel through the valleys and mountains you’ll climb
Live and Love your life, one step at a time
Another “super free verse” poem, as I call it. Been thinking about my second Cancer Challenge a lot this week, as it was a year ago today that I learned my Leukemia had relapsed. And from the moment I knew there was something up, to the time I learned of my relapse, to this moment today, I have had a much different perspective on Cancer than when I was originally diagnosed. It’s not about a fight, which doesn’t mean my will to live has lessened, not at all that is as high as ever, it’s just that I don’t think of Cancer as the enemy. It’s a Challenge, and I believe in embracing your Challenges, not fighting them. So that’s what I did a year ago today.
Always…
Live Life. Love Life.
Geoff
