Less than 24 hours apart, two of my friends lost their mothers to cancer this week.
Over the years five of my family and friends died from cancer. Like many of you, I know countless others who have been touched by this horrible disease and have lost loved ones to it.
The statistics* are scary:
• In 2010, 1,529,560 Americans died from cancer.
• Nearly one of every four deaths is because of cancer.
• More than 1,500 people in the U.S. die from cancer every day.
• 28% of all new cases are attributed to prostate and breast cancers.
• 29% male / 26% female deaths in 2010 were due to lung and bronchus cancer.
• 10,700 new cases of childhood cancer were estimated in 2010. About 1,340 children aged 0 – 14 were expected to die from cancer last year.
• The probability that we will develop an invasive cancer in our lifetimes is estimated at 44% in men, 38% in women.
• A little good news: The survival rate is 68%, up from 50% 35 years ago.
Early diagnosis and treatment is best, but prevention helps too. The American Cancer Society recommends we maintain a healthy weight, have an active lifestyle, eat healthy (lots of fruits and veggies), and limit alcohol intake. Let’s honor those who’ve lost their valiant battles to this deadly disease by making a commitment to take care of ourselves (i.e. stop smoking, eat right, wear sunscreen, go to the doctor [this is always the hardest], etc.). No more procrastination, the time for change is now. Cancer doesn’t wait. Why should we?
To K & J: May you find comfort in your family and friends and may happier memories carry you through this difficult time.
* Resources:
American Cancer Society
Cancer Facts & Figures 2010
Treatment & Support Staying Healthy
Based on a true story. (This happened on January 12, 2011 to someone I know; the story was recounted to me secondhand).
In her mid-80s, the more than two feet of snow that trapped her in her home was more bothersome than beautiful. With no family or friends nearby, it was going to be awhile before she’d be able to dig her way out. When her husband was alive, he’d clear the driveway in no time at all. If her shoulders and joints didn’t ache so badly, she’d do it herself.
Staring through her front window, memories of her kids laughing and playing in snow storms half a century ago flashed like fleeting ghosts across her thoughts. Wavering between awe and contempt, she stared emptily at the sparkling, fresh coat of white holding her hostage.
The plows hadn’t cleared the street yet and silence filled her tree lined, quaint, old suburban neighborhood. At least she wasn’t the only one stuck inside. No one else had ventured out either. The pristine blanket of snow extended down both sides of the street without so much as one footprint corrupting its perfection.
In the distance an odd shape moving along the street caught her attention. A tall, black hooded figure trudged through the thigh-high snow. Slowly, step-by-step, the determined person made his way up the street. When he reached the end of her driveway, he lowered his shovel and began clearing a path.
Frozen in absolute shock, she watched in admiration as one of her neighbors steadily worked at the mountain of heavy white stuff. Once he was able to reach her house, she rushed outside to thank him. Concentrating on the job at hand, he didn’t pause.
Stopping in front of him, she suddenly realized that she was staring at a stranger.
“Who are you?” she asked.
Without stopping, he continued his work.
“Who sent you?” she pressed.
With his hood obscuring most of his face, he raised his eyes to meet her questioning gaze but didn’t answer.
She just stared at him wondering who he could be. A question popped into her head—one that she never would’ve asked but felt an urge and suddenly blurted, “Did God send you?”
He looked at her blankly and then up at the sky and went back to work.
Cold and confused, she walked inside and waited until he was almost done. She went out again and, as he tossed the last shovel-full of snow, he stated simply, “Now I’m finished.”
She offered her thanks along with money for his hard work. He refused politely, looked at her, and then did something that nearly stopped her heart.
He hugged her! No, it was more than a hug—it was an embrace. He squeezed her closely and tightly and in that moment instead of being terrified she felt warmth and peace. Dumbstruck, she stared in his eyes as he pulled back and watched in amazement as he picked up his shovel, walked down her driveway and continued down the street.
As she watched him pass behind a large bush blocking her view, she wondered if he would make his way next door to help her neighbor. To her amazement, he never walked past the bush. Curious, she rushed—as fast as her old, tired legs could carry her—out to the street to see if he got stuck in the deep snow still coating it.
Her breath caught; he had vanished into thin air! Never prone to believing in anything supernatural or paranormal, she looked all around—at her neighbors’ homes and up and down the street—and wondered if she missed him somehow. But he was nowhere to be seen. Shaken, she said a prayer, thanking God for the stranger.
Whether or not you believe in miracles, one thing is certain. An angel visited my friend today. Holy or human, someone weathered the freezing temperatures and deep snow to help an elderly woman who would’ve otherwise been trapped in her home for days.
During winter and at any time of year, be an angel for someone in need. You might just be the miracle God is sending their way.
* Image - I took this photo during a snow storm in 2001. The location is Pennypack Park, Philadelphia, PA.
