I just got off the phone with a friend from work. It had been a long time since we connected. In early June, she had to take a medical leave from work to have surgery for Crohn's Disease. A couple of weeks after that, we began our journey with Justin's diagnosis.
It's almost like we have been living parallel lives in some ways. She, coming to terms with the fact that she now has an ileostomy bag and the changes that brings to her life; and we, dealing with the fact that our child has cancer and how that effects our family. How quickly we become wrapped up in our own worlds when something like this touches our lives. We all deal with things differently, but in talking with my friend, I realize that there are also many similarities in our situations. We spoke of sort of keeping to ourselves. Not reaching out to people for whatever reason; whether it be shame, fear or just sheer exhaustion and not wanting to talk to anyone. We needed time to just get our heads around what our lives have become. We dwell in our own pain, sure that no one would ever really understand what we are going through. But the truth is, there are people who understand. It might not look exactly the same but the emotional and physical pain that one feels going through Crohn's or dealing with a loved one's cancer are kindred, and in talking we found a common bond. We have both found some sort of acceptance of what we have been dealt. We will go through all of this because we have no choice. We will be strong and victorious. And when it's all said and done, we will roar!
It's certainly not what we would have chosen for our lives. We wouldn't wish it upon anyone. But it is what has been handed to us and we will make it through this. One step at a time. And by God's grace, come out stronger for having been through it. Thanks for the talk, my friend. Let the roaring begin! ♥
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