My dad is battling a recurrence of CLL (Chronic lymphocytic leukemia). He beat it over 2 years ago and we know he will again! He is lucky to be in proximity to one of the best cancer centers in the country - Moore Cancer Center. He makes the two hour each way commute at least once a week with my mom for his treatment and often more than that for long infusions, blood tests and more. He is in treatment and also working as his last year (he retires in June) as a school counselor! He is such a hard working, perservering man - being the father to 7 kids probably helped hone his endurance! I am so lucky to have him in my life and for his example to my family. Even when he is tired and worn down from treatment he is always there for anyone who needs him and never passes up the chance to rough house with his grandkids who love him so!
This past week, my mom shared how at the Cancer Center they were giving out little glass containers of daffodils to the patients, as daffodils are the flower of cancer. I had never heard that before but the background behind why is so beautiful and gives families of those with cancer such hope so I wanted to share that with you today!
No matter how much snow has covered them, no matter how many bitterly cold nights have settled upon them, now matter how many ice storms have beaten and battered the ground above them, invariably and without fail, they shove their bright little faces up out of the earth and turn toward the sun as if to say, "Ha! Here I am! You didn't think I could do it this time, but in spite of it all, I'm still here!"
No wonder the daffodil is the traditional flower symbol for cancer survivors. We endure the shock of diagnosis, the dread of surgeries and other treatments, the painful and often disabling side effects, and the fearful uncertainty that follows us the rest of our lives,
because now we truly understand
- we really and finally "get it"
- that life is about hills and valleys,
triumph and defeat,
storms and sunshine
and yet...
and yet...
and yet...
we keep on keepin' on.
We are the daffodils.
Dad, we know you are strong and a survivor and are so glad you are still here keeping on with us!!
3 comments:
That is awesome, Laris. Thanks for sharing. I was just thinking about Dad yesterday...just how cool our parents are in that they get such joy out of random things--thrift stores, music, plants, colors..I am so grateful that both of our parents really enjoy living!
Thanks, Larissa! It's true- Daffodils do come out no matter the adversity! We love our Dad!!!
Thanks for sharing Larissa! The Puyallup valley has lots of daffodil farms and its beautiful this time of year. I wish I was closer to see all of you - especially my brother Johnny. You do have a great Dad and Mom!
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