Life is funny because it’s always full of happiness and tragedy at the same time. You joyfully attend a wedding to celebrate the beginning of a couple’s new life together. The next week you visit a friend in the hospital who is battling cancer. It’s a never-ending cycle of happiness and sorrow.
My Great Dane/Lab Mix (Stella) recently had surgery to remove a large tumor from her side. As I walked her to the vet, I had tears streaming down my face because “I knew” it was going to be cancer. They had been testing it since January and never found any malignant cells. But still, I knew. I sobbed like a baby all the way home. People looked at me like I was crazy and to be honest, I felt like they just might be right.
We brought her home that same night and set up a mini hospital ward in our living room so she wouldn’t have to take stairs. We put a mattress on the floor and slept there for a number of nights until she was ready to move freely again. She was a champ—she never whined and always made sure to give me a “look” that told me she was doing just fine.
Three days into her recovery, a strong sense of peace washed over me because I knew Stella was going to be okay. The next day, I got a call from our vet to give us the news. Stella’s tumor was cancer, but it wasn’t a type of cancer that would spread to her organs or her lymph nodes. She is safe…for now. At 12 years old, we are thankful she is so healthy and happy.
This was GREAT news and I wanted to spread the happiness. But, at the same time, we received devastating news from many of our loved ones: my friend’s mom had a stroke, my sister-in-law’s father is gravely ill, another friend’s husband is being sent back to Iraq (for his 2nd tour), and our dear friend was diagnosed with lymphoma. This was all within a two week period!
How do you deal with these difficult situations? Do you pick up the phone and call or do you send a card? Do you visit them or are you afraid they’ll want their privacy? And is it okay to share good news with them?
Every person and every situation is different. Ultimately, it comes down to one very important thing: SHOW THEM HOW MUCH YOU LOVE THEM. Illness doesn’t only affect the person with the diagnosis—it affects everyone around them. Call. Send a text message or a card. Visit them if they feel up to having company. Whatever you do, don’t pull away because YOU find the situation too difficult to deal with. Many people make this mistake and end up regretting it later. Be there for them the best you can.
And please don’t hesitate to share good news and happy stories. When faced with tragedy, it’s always nice to hear stories of joy, love and hope.
If you’ve recently been through a difficult time, how did your loved ones help you through it?
Share Your Love,
Molly
Molly – I am so glad that Stella is doing well. Our Golden Retriever, Gator, lived to be 19 and was a cancer survivor!
Wow. I would be so lucky to have Stella that long! Thanks for your comment…hope to see you soon…
Oh Mols, I loved this one, and the pictures of Stella Bella. xoxoxo
Thanks Stacy…we love those 4-legged children!
So glad Stella is ok! I was crying myself looking at her picture. She is so sweet and you’d never guess she’s 12!! Love you.
Those 12 years have flown by! Thanks Michele! xo
Yes, life is full of ups and downs. Lows and highs and all the “in betweens”. This is why it’s so important to enjoy life everyday!!!
Yes, that Stella is special, for many different reasons…………..we so love our animals and for good reason.
Lynnie: There is no one who enjoys life more than you! You certainly know how to not sweat the small stuff and appreciate everything wonderful in your life. Stella is very special…thanks for her compliment! xoxo
Beautiful blog, Molly. How very true. Life is too precious to miss out on all of the happy moments because you never know what is awaits around the corner.
Thanks so much Biana. It is true and every new day throws can throw you or a loved ones a curve ball. Love every minute of your life…
Beautiful blog, Molly. How very true. Life is too precious to miss out on all of the happy moments because you never know what awaits around the corner.
Ironically, Molly, we just learned yesterday that a friend and former neighbor passed away after a long hospitalization. Those very questions, what do we do, have been discussed. And yet, on Halloween we were visited by friends who brought their new one week old daughter, born after years of effort. The circle of life continues on. So glad to hear Stella is currently healthy and happy!
Hi Carol:
It is the circle of life. I once went to a funeral for a dear friend who tragically passed away at a very young age. The only thing that kept everyone sane was the new baby who was recently born into the family. I’m sorry about your friend who passed away…hope you and your family are okay….
MoPo,
Looking at that picture of your grey-faced little girl, and knowing she’s going to be alright is a wonderful gift for us all! Just goes to show, there must be something about red wine that wards off cancer.
Remember when she broke into your fridge, broke open the wine bottles and drank it all?
How could I ever forget that? First, she ate the honey baked ham. Then she broke bottles of beer and drank them. Then she moved on to the wine. BUt, she didn’t like the bloody mary mix… 🙂
And then Molly called Mom and all she said was come quick! You are not going to believe what I came home to. Broken glass all over the garage and a smile on
Stell’as face. We have seen a few of those smiles over the years and aren’t we lucky.
Hang in there Stella – Abbey!!!
Stella say THANK YOU to all of you who reached out to her! Woof!
Thanks for sharing your wonderful story about beautiful Stella–very heartwarming.
I am a recent cancer survivor. My loved ones called me and sent me e-mails daily. They listened patiently while I vented my fears and frustrations in my ever-changing emotional state while going through this critical time in my life. Being able to vent everything helped me out so much, because I felt better having a way in which to release all of my inner thoughts and feelings. Furthermore, I found it quite enlightening to hear their opinions and comments on what I had to say. After all, I believe it is always helpful to gather as many diverse opinions, suggestions, and words of wisdom and encouragement as possible. I appreciate each and every one of my loved ones who were there (and still are) there for me. I believe it is so important to have a support system in place during such challenging times in our lives. Thanks for listening. 🙂
Hi Rhonda:
Thank you for reaching out and sharing how you made it through an extremely difficult time in your life. The love that you received from your friends and family is evident from the daily calls and emails. Your strong support system will always be there for you…as you will be there for them when the time comes when they need you.
I am wishing you good health and happiness in 2011 and beyond.
Warmest regards, Molly