My friend and the C

It's a record, I'm writing two nights in a row! There's a reason. Have to get this out of my system.......My head is full......to the point where sleep was difficult today. The ride home from work this morning was rather emotional. My heart is heavy. Actually, it feels like its breaking. And not for me, either. A friend called me into a side room this morning, and after the good mornings were out of the way, she informed me that the 'Big C' had struck their family. Her spouse was diagnosed with the dreaded 'C', and further testing was underway to decide how to procede. You know, this makes me so angry and so sad, all at the same time! Why is it every way you turn, this disease is taking someones quality of life and shredding it apart. Yes, I'm an advocate for fighting the disease and winning-you don't necessarily lose the battle when you're diagnosed. But the process is so painful and emotional. Why does a vibrant family, with wonderful summer plans, have to go through this???!! This changes everything. It changes the way you get dressed in the morning-the way you go through even the minutest things in your day. This disease doesn't seem to care who or what you are. Doesn't care how old or young you are. Doesn't care of skin color. Doesn't care how much money you have tucked in the bank, or how much money you can spend in one day. Doesn't even seem to care if you've looked after yourself in the most healthy fashion. Doesn't seem to discriminate between differing belief systems. Doesn't wait till its convenient-actually seems to rear its ugly head when people are least able to 'handle' it. This disease makes me want to kick its a**! Yes, it does make me want to use some foul language. Its an ugly disease! Yes, it can bring people closer, it can make people re-evaluate their priorities. But, can't there be an easier way to accomplish this??! I'm so sad for all the unfortunate souls who have to battle this disease. I feel for the families who have to stand by and support the patient through this crippling disease. Seems to me that I know too many people who are experiencing the ravages of this illness. Life just is not fair. I've copied and pasted the following poem-its been on my mind all day.

What Cancer Cannot Do
Cancer is so limited...
It cannot cripple love
It cannot shatter hope
It cannot corrode faith
It cannot destroy peace
It cannot kill friendship
It cannot suppress memories
It cannot silence courage
It cannot invade the soul
It cannot steal eternal life
It cannot conquer the spirit.

I guess thats the perspective I have to take-there is always hope, faith, and love. Family, friends, community. And so, my friend and her family need extra love and attention. Plenty of prayers. And extra hugs.........

And thats another day dealing with living in this generation!