* THIS IS ESPECIALLY FOR THOSE AFFECTED BY CANCER...
Yesterday would’ve been my grandmother’s 105th birthday. Unfortunately, she died last year from complications from COVID-19. It was difficult knowing that of all the other ailments my grandmother faced, it was this coronavirus that would take her out. Even though it was early in the pandemic and most weren't allowed to see their loved ones during their final days/hours/minutes, I was fortunate to have one last opportunity to see my grandmother after she was put her in hospice care. I knew what was coming. I knew she would decline rapidly once they removed the oxygen supply that was keeping her alive.
I remember standing on a stool outside of her hospital room while looking at her through a small, round window. I saw the nurse, who was fully clothed in her protective clothing, rubbing my grandmother’s hair and arms as she was transitioning. This was a difficult to see but I was at peace seeing my grandmother was not alone. The nurse stood in the gap for our family who was not allowed to come say their goodbyes. The nurse allowed me to call into the room and speak to my grandmother one last time. I let her know how much she was loved and how she’d be missed. What a blessed opportunity for me to have…even during the dark times this pandemic has brought upon us. Whew, just reliving this experience is making me cry. 😢
My grandmother was a kind, yet strong woman. She faced many ailments in her life and still lived to be 103 years old. She was the first person I knew personally who battled (and beat) breast cancer. She was a 20-year survivor. She was my inspiration.
Sometimes, I let my mind drift to, “What if COVID never touched her…?” That’s the selfish part of me wanting her to be here longer. Her time was up. I know that. But it still hurts knowing that COVID-19 caused of her death. Just like General and former Secretary of State Colin Powell, who died from COVID complications. Although he was double vaccinated, he was also battling cancer, Parkinson’s and other health conditions.
These are some difficult timesthat we’re living in and my heart goes out to those who are in the fight against cancer and may have immunocompromised systems. Be careful.
I remember when I heard the words, “YOU HAVE CANCER.” Life seemed to stop for a moment. It was on October 8, 2009, the birthday of my deceased sister, who happened to pass away from cancer. I was scared to death. I was scared ofdeath. But what made it even scarier was the H1N1 virus that was going around at the time. I remember they didn’t have enough vaccines for everyone but I was pushed to the front of the line because of my situation. I’m grateful I came out of all of it with my life.
My second chance, my bonus round, gave me the opportunity to course correct and live my life in service to others. My unique experience and wisdom can help others in their journey. In the words of the poet, Maya Angelou, “My mission in life is not to merely survive, but to thrive, and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some style and some humor.” Her words, my life. And I am passionate about helping others do the same.
But how do we not only survive but thrive as we’re living in a global crisis? A pandemic? We are navigating through uncharted territory and experiencing a period of uncertainty. There is no end in sight. The fear is real and justifiable…even with the vaccines.
Here are five (5) strategies to help get you through these challenging times.
- Faith over Fear. Don’t operate from a place of fear. Fear is paralyzing if you let it control your life. Connect to a higher Source and trust all will be fine.
- Have a positive mindset. Take control of your thoughts. Focus on positive things and don’t allow yourself to give too much attention to things that don’t serve you. TURN OFF THE NEWS. It will suck you back into the negative thoughts.
- Be Present.Pay attention to the PRESENT moment. Don’t get lost in worrying about things beyond your control. Accept this time for what it is. In this moment, BE WELL!
- Self-isolate. Even if your state isn’t enforcing self-isolation, isolate yourself as much as possible. This virus is very contagious and can be extremely harmful to those with a compromised immune system.
- Escape from reality. Be intentional about finding distractions. Read books. Watch some light-hearted movies or comedies. Assemble puzzles. Connect with family and friends. Listen to music. Meditate.
I have a huge concern for others. Anyone who knows me personally and deeply, knows I care a lot. In the words on one of my favorite TV characters, Monk, “It’s a gift and a curse.” I’m concerned about you. You are not forgotten during these times. I see you. I hear you. I understand how you’re feeling.
These are difficult times, but I want to share the first stanza of a card I received that helped me as I went through my cancer journey. It says:
With God, every day is a day to begin again — to trust and feel His love for us and know that in all of the confusion, there’s a gift to be found. - Unknown
There is a gift in all of this confusion, in all of this mess. I don’t what it is for me/us, yet. However, I am making the best of this time to reflect on who I am, who I’m becoming, and how I can I show up to make this world a better place because I’m in it.
I ask that you make the best of this time, too. BE SAFE. BE WELL.
THIS TOO SHALL PASS...