The gift of support...

My wife was diagnosed with uterine cancer five years ago.  She went through surgery, chemo and radiation and is cancer free today.  Last year, the wife of a good friend of ours was informed she had breast cancer.  Upon our first visit with her following her diagnosis, the emotional trauma had set in.  She went to explain how some of her friends had back away from her and how others just didn't know what to say.  It was a very sad moment.

My wife then began to have detailed conversations about what she went through.  She spoke of fear, doctors and just about anything our friend wanted to discuss.  Nothing was off the table.  It wasn't long before our friend's dark mood seemed to brighten just a bit.  The more my wife talked with her, the more her spirits improved.  Although we lived in Michigan and our friend lived in Florida, there were numerous phone calls, text messages and emails exchanged throughout our friend's treatment.  I'm happy to say, our friend is now a survivor.

As a writer and poet, I observed this remarkable transformation with great interest and admiration. I wanted to somehow capture this experience and share it with others going through similar experiences.  I wrote the following poem, shared it with my wife, our friend and other writing colleagues of mine.  Their response was positive and agreed I should post it here.  I hope you find it inspirational and that it motivates you to reach out to another if you haven't yet done so. 

Warrior’s Embrace by Mono D’Angelo

Friends stop calling.

Loved ones struggle in awkward silence.

A haunting loneliness smothers it all

As the battle begins.

The lethal news commands its due.

Life grows more precious

In daily increments.

No one goes unscathed.

Cancer does not discriminate.

It is indifferent to wealth or poverty

To skin color, age or race.

Doctors and surgery are the new reality

Vicious drugs steal

Your hair,

Your strength,

Your optimism.

The fight for life is unrelenting.

If only someone understood

The torment within.

Then she stands beside you.

A fellow warrior

Who has fought this fight,

Emerged a victor.

She wraps you in her arms,

Whispers “It will be alright.”

A calm drenches you

Like warm summer rain.

For now,

Pain is
eased

Hope
restored

You smile
again,

Knowing tomorrow will be better

With her hand to hold.