Cancer...

When we are young, illness, surgery and hospitals seem to be things we associate with old people. And by old, I mean over 30. As we age, we see them as realities and hardships that our friends and family go through. Every once in a while the "C" word enters the picture and we find ourselves asking questions we never dared to ask. Why me? Why them? How did this happen? What did I do wrong? And then we realize that cancer strikes for many reasons as often as it kills for no reason at all.

Steve Jobs died today. Steve was one of the founders of Apple, and most will tell you he was the reason for their success. At 56, he had more money than most people even dream about, yet it couldn't buy him a victory in his fight against cancer. His brilliance and vision has been compared to Walt Disney and Thomas Edison, but he didn't have the knowledge to cure himself.

Cancer is an evil opponent who never fights fair. Cancer doesn't care that you are rich, smart, good-looking or kind. It fights hard, and dirty. Sometimes you think you've beat it, and it quietly returns to claim it's victory. Although some have beaten it, no one wishes to fight a battle against cancer. It's a war that chooses it's victims, and leaves them no choice.

There is hope.

A beautiful friend of mine has been fighting breast cancer. She was diagnosed with a non-curable form of breast cancer, but she chooses to fight with an experimental treatment. Understanding that there is no cure, she has her life in order as she keeps a positive attitude and shakes her fist in the face of death. She has 4 children and a loving husband who are by her side. With their support, and her faith in God's plan for her life, she battles this horrid disease with an amazing attitude. She is a bald blessing in her pink chucks and matching purse. When you see her you will not feel sorry for her you will smile, because she is smiling.

I don't know what God's plan is for my friend, but I pray for her often. When she asks for prayers, it's not for herself but for her family. She is concerned for them. They can't bear to think of life without her, and who can blame them. I know my life has been blessed because she has been in it.

As my friend reminds me, there is always hope. God is in control, and we can handle all things with his help.