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Monday, September 10, 2012

You Inspire Me

You inspire me. You're an inspiration. You're amazing. Do you know how many people have said that to me or about me since I became a Cancer Survivor? What have I done to earn any admiration? Really? I mean, maybe I got sick because I have a bad gene or a bad attitude or maybe it's just fate?  Maybe G-d just wanted to wake me up from my own monotony? I don't know. The cancer in me was spread just enough to make me a Stage 3 yet the miracle was that the surgeon was able to remove all visible signs of tumor... so I'm Cancer-free. I have to have chemotherapy to make sure any microscopic cancer is decimated, demolished... killed.

I'm blessed. G-d gives me a test and shows me unfathomable mercy. I have complete faith in G-d.

When I got sick, I cried out... to my family, to my friends, and my community. I wasn't quiet about it at all. I've been very very public. I cried out for help and every single person that I care about is here, in some way; giving. People that I know less well are also here. Giving. Reaching out. My family is constantly at my side, with me and holding me up. My friends and community are encircling me, my husband and our children.  We've received endless and selfless offers for support that I cannot even write about. How is it that I know SO MANY people who possess seemingly endless amounts of goodness and pure-hearted kindness?

So, I kind of look at myself and I have to ask, why do I inspire? Why do I seem "amazing"? I think I know the answer... I think it's because I'm going through an immensely painful life test right now, and I went public. You are all watching, not just watching but participating. The experience is mutual. The kindness, love, and prayers are all flowing and it's reflecting - radiating off of me somehow. I feel like I can open my eyes and see this miracle. You might think it's me that's inspiring... but I'm just the vessel. The inspiration is flowing because so many people; my family, friends, and good people of my community and beyond are kind and good.

You inspire me.

5 comments:

  1. The reason you are so important is because you never know who has read your posts, specifically the ones listing the symptoms, and they've thought "hang on, I've had that too", and because they have read your post they have actually made a trip to the doctor when otherwise they may not have until it was too late. By writing these blog posts, you never know how many lives you may have saved.

    Wishing you a complete and speedy recovery!

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  2. Being a full time mama is overwhelming and amazing enough, and at times inspirational. Add anything to that, the common cold, menstrual cramps, arguing with anyone.... or a sprinkling of severe death defying cancer.... Well, and then you decide to put on a cheerful and social and public attitude, for the sake of yourself, and others... It is noteworthy. It is what makes you a person that I want to be around! Hugs! Tamar

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  3. BASK IN THE WARMTH OF EVERYONES GOOD WISHES ERIKA, SHANA TOVA TO YOU ALL
    MAY G-D BLESS YOU WITH A FULL RECOVERY AND THE CONTINUING STRENGTH TO BE AN INSPIRATION TO ALL
    GOOD HEALTH, PEACE AND HAPPINESS TO YOU ALL
    LOTSA LOVE FROM SHIRLEY AND MICHAEL (PERTH WA)

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  4. When people inspire, they bring out the best in other people. Your attitude, your generosity and the love that just seems to emanate from you inspires others to be their best selves. People *are* kind and good. Everyone has kindness and goodness in them. I don't think that you should underestimate how much you just being you helps that come out in others though. You are an inspiration and you going public is going to mean so much to countless people.

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  5. I am a nurse working in outpatient oncology. Each and every one of my patients is inspiring to me.

    (I found you through a mutual friend who liked one of your posts on FB)

    http://www.newdaynewlesson.com/it-changes-a-person/

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