How I Get Through My Chronic Cancer

How I Get Through My Chronic Cancer

I’m from a strong Jewish heart, who never questioned God,

Who gave me my solid Jewish identity,

Whose strength helped me forge ahead.

I’m from this strong wind beneath my wings

Which continues to lift me,

But now only deep in my heart.

I’m from the hope of the Jewish people,

From all our forefathers and mothers,

A hope that is part of me internally and externally.

I’m from God who takes my worry when it’s too much for me.

And who hears my prayers but whose answer could be a “gauntlet with a gift in it.”

I’m from faith which gives me the courage to live with uncertainty.

My essence is strong inside because of where I’m from.

I think about what my father went through during the Holocaust…

I think about all that my father instilled in me as a result.

I think about what our ancestors endured before me.

And I think about hope and survival…

One of the greatest gifts of our people.

Then I know I can get through a serious diagnosis.

And I can get through cancer too.

So, I choose to focus on my blessings and my faith.

I choose to focus on the resiliency of my father and my forefathers.

I choose to live life to the fullest, finding purpose in every day.

I laugh, love, dance and sing from my soul.

I choose to focus on passing along the gifts I was given.

I choose to give my husband, children and grandchildren,

all the love I have to give...

Because they support me and lift me up.

Because that’s what makes me resilient.

And what I hope to pass along to them,

To help them through whatever comes their way…

and maybe yours too, if you see what helped me.

This post was written and submitted by Linda Cohen. The article reflects the views of Cohen and not of CURE®. This is also not supposed to be intended as medical advice.

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