
I watched a show on the History channel last night about some holocaust survivors who lived in a cave for over 500 days. In order to keep from getting caught at one point, they slept 15-19 hours a day and didn't come out of the cave for 2 months.
I watched the documentary in awe as these families fought for their lives. Now, there is no way for me to fathom what these people went through, but I can relate to fighting for life, and I feel weak in comparison. I wish I had their strength and determination but truthfully, I just want to sleep it away until this part of the treatment is over. Where is the nearest cave?
It's strange that I can relate to a story about holocaust survivors but I can't even comprehend what the people around me are going through. There is someone else that I watch in awe. My partner, my silent warrior, my rock, my better half. Our breast cancer journey started over 6 months ago and I have not heard a single complaint from her. She has been at every appointment and always manages to put on a smiling face and try to spread a positive light, even when I want the lights off. Now, I am sure there are times when she thinks to herself that she would rather not go to yet another doctor appointment, but those thoughts are never shared.
Where does that strength come from? The determination to keep fighting when I am ready to give up. The constant selfless giving of time and attention. Never, ever leaving my side because she knows how insecure I have become. Even just going to the store around the corner, she always goes with me because I don't like to be the first one in the door for fear people will turn their head and look at me. She is undeniably a one-of-a-kind individual. The simple thank you's that I offer on a daily basis will never be enough.
This is my path. I have no choice but to walk it. I wish I could run through this part (or sleep through it)... But on my worst days, it helps to remember how blessed I am for those people in my life who are walking the path beside me. They have a choice, and they choose to walk with me.