Cancer cannot define us unless we allow it to take that position. I applaud Team Edwards for doing what's most meaningful to them during this uncertain time. When our lives are threatened, every moment becomes precious and I would want to spend my time doing only things that support my core mission in life. I hope everyone who loves Elizabeth encourages her and makes it possible for her to use her energies to do what she most loves.
I've seen this affirmation on the Internet and on plaques in the gift stores. It's simple and I like it:
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.
Amen to that!
I agree with Elizabeth Edwards for continuing in her role as supporter with her husband. Cancer comes to distract us from our God given purpose. As an incurable cancer survivor I understand her stance. You can give in to the disease or you can continue your life and try to live as normal as possible. She will have little time on the campaign trail to have pity parties or dwell on the negative prognosis from the medical society. I think she is a wise woman and will make sure she spend quality time with family and friends and do the personal things that bring her joy.
The choices you make are really dependent on where you are in your life. If your family life is intact and functional you continue to build on that. If you have fragmentation then you may want to mend fences and build some good memories. From what I have read about this family they are in a good place to face this type of challenge. I wish her well and will be praying for her as she faces the rest of her life.
About 3 years ago I dropped into a black hole - four months of absolute terror. I wanted to end my life, but somehow [Holy Spirit], I reached out to a friend who took me to hospital. I had three visits [hospital] in four months - I actually thought I was in hell. I imagine I was going through some sort of metamorphosis [mental, physical & spiritual]. I had been seeing a therapist [1994] on a regular basis, up until this point in time. I actually thought I would be locked away - but the hospital staff was very supportive [I had no control over my process]. I was released from hospital 16th September 1994, but my fear, pain & shame had only subsided a little. I remember this particular morning waking up [home] & my process would start up again [fear, pain, & shame]. No one could help me, not even my therapist [I was terrified]. I asked Jesus Christ to have mercy on me & forgive me my sins. Slowly, all my fear has dissipated & I believe Jesus delivered me from my "psychological prison." I am a practicing Catholic & the Holy Spirit is my friend & strength; every day since then has been a joy & blessing. I deserve to go to hell for the life I have led, but Jesus through His sacrifice on the cross, delivered me from my inequities. John 3: 8, John 15: 26, are verses I can relate to, organically. He's a real person who is with me all the time. I have so much joy & peace in my life, today, after a childhood spent in orphanages [England & Australia]. God LOVES me so much. Fear, pain, & shame, are no longer my constant companions. I just wanted to share my experience with you [Luke 8: 16 - 17].
Peace Be With You
Micky