Let me start off by saying that this was NOT the article I wanted to write. I was all set Wednesday night to write an article the next afternoon about the blood clot found in John McCain's brain, and how his surgery would most likely set back decisions made in the Senate.
Then I opened my Facebook Thursday morning. All I saw were the words: John McCain has brain cancer.
As I read further, I became more shocked at the reports. His staff announced he was diagnosed with a tumor called a glioblastoma. This is the most aggressive type of cancer, usually growing back in less than a year. The median survival is only 12 to 18 months. Soon after, the questions began to pop into my head.
What?
How could this have happened to him?
Why John McCain?
I ask that question because of the seriousness of this announcement. John McCain has done so much for this country, and while I have not always agreed, many of his actions have helped this country fight the good fight.
Many people know that McCain was a Prisoner of War. McCain spent over five years captured by the North Vietnamese. This type of heroic perseverance and strength caused permanent damage in his arms, but it also enabled him to be a voice of experience and wisdom in times of war.
And it was not only foreign wars that McCain took a hard stance against. This past year, McCain has been a part of many disputes, including those involving his own party. McCain has repeatedly pressed for an investigation into how involved Russia was with President Trump's campaign and the 2016 election in general, saying that the White House controversies were approaching "Watergate size and scale."
Now, I am not saying I agree with McCain on everything. If I could have voted in 2008, I would have picked Barack Obama. But that does not matter right now. What matters is this: a man who has dedicated his life to this country is now fighting his own body to survive. It should not be important what side of the aisle that you fall on. Everyone should be praying and hoping that McCain wins this battle.
Thankfully, that is what I am seeing. Republicans and Democrats have been smart enough to set aside differences and show their support for McCain. Tweets have come from politicians such as Vice President Pence ("...Cancer picked on the wrong guy...") and Barack Obama ("...Give it hell, John."). These people are making it known that they will support McCain, regardless of how they feel about his political views.
And so am I. Because if anyone can beat brain cancer, it is the man who has spent his life fighting for what he believes is right.
