To Those Of Us Who Have Lost A Loved One To Cancer
Start writing a post
Relationships

To Those Of Us Who Have Lost A Loved One To Cancer

As we celebrate World Cancer Day, we need to keep a firm grip on our sense of hope.

411
To Those Of Us Who Have Lost A Loved One To Cancer
Pexels

To those of us who have lost a loved one to cancer,

While February 4th is World Cancer Day, a day devoted to spreading awareness and finding a treatment for this awful disease, when we lose a loved one to cancer, every day is World Cancer Day. Every day we see all that cancer has stolen from us, and every day we clench onto hope that somebody someday can find a cure for this disease.

Sometimes we experience anger at the void that cancer has left in our lives, sometimes we experience sadness as we long for our loved ones again, and sometimes we experience confusion as we don't understand how any fates can allow a disease to consume so many incredible people.

But we still need to experience hope –– hope for a cure and hope we can immortalize the spirits of those who left us too soon from the disease.

My grandmother, who was one of my favorite people in the world growing up (and many other people's favorite person as well), lost her battle to this disease over four years ago. Sometimes her passing feels like yesterday, other times it feels like ages ago.

I could choose to remember how cruel cancer was, consuming someone who anybody would be privileged to know. I could choose to drown myself in grief that she is no longer physically here. I could choose to focus on the vacancy she has left in the lives of so many. But instead, I choose to recognize her bravery and her everlasting legacy that many people continue to commemorate to this day.

Through this experience, I have learned that cancer can kill somebody's physical presence, but that is almost the full extent of its capabilities.

Cancer is unable to kill our fervent hope and steadfast efforts to fight this disease. While we had to see our loved ones fight the aggression of the disease, we too can fight. We can pay forth efforts to one day find a cure in the name of those we love.

Cancer is unable to kill the spirits of those we love. Through us, the world can see all of these wonderful people who once graced this Earth. Whether we embody the kindness they once embodied, prompt the laughter they once prompted, live out the dreams of which they once dreamed, we can keep their spirits living on this planet. It is up to us to provide continuing reflections of people who were once among us.

Cancer is unable to kill legacies. Our loved ones all touched thousands of lives in ways that are unchangeable by time. Time can heal wounds, but it cannot erase the permanence of their actions, their kind words, their selfless efforts, their way in which they left the world a little better than it was before they entered it.

Cancer is unable to kill hope. Hope is the most vital instrument in the fight to cure cancer. Without the fiery flames of hope, we cannot spur doctors and scientists to devise a way to combat this disease. In times when cancer strikes and life becomes turbulent, we sometimes have trouble hanging onto the reins of hope. But cancer alone is not able to make our hope dwindle.

Because for us, February 4th and all other 364 days of the year are World Cancer Day. It's okay to sometimes feel the emptiness that cancer has left behind in our lives. This disease is evil and has taken away too many amazing souls. But it's never okay to relinquish our sense of hope that we can exterminate cancer forever.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

12670
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

943689
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

121112
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lots of people sat on the cinema wearing 3D glasses
Pinterest

Ever wonder what your friend meant when they started babbling about you taking their stapler? Or how whenever you ask your friend for a favor they respond with "As You Wish?" Are you looking for new and creative ways to insult your friends?

Well, look no further. Here is a list of 70 of the most quotable movies of all time. Here you will find answers to your questions along with a multitude of other things such as; new insults for your friends, interesting characters, fantastic story lines, and of course quotes to log into your mind for future use.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments