To say that my family has experience with the world of cancer would be a gross understatement. When I was about to start my senior year of high school my daddy was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer. A few short months after that my cousin, Spencer (the one who wrote the song Dancing With Wrecking Balls), was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer. Not long after that my aunt (Spencer's mom) was diagnosed with breast cancer...and then right after that another one of my aunts was also diagnosed with breast cancer.
Spencer died September 28th, 2007
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| Spencer doing what he did best - sharing his soul with music |
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| Chemo took a toll on Spencer |
My dad died January 5th, 2009
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| Me and my dad right at the time he was diagnosed with cancer |
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| My dad going through one of his many rounds of chemo |
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| One of the last photos taken of my family...we always said my dad was waving goodbye |
Both of my aunts are survivors and are in remission.
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| My Aunt MaryLynn |
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| My Aunt Christy with my cousin Scott and my Uncle Lonnie |
Our family thought it was over. How could 4 people in the same family battle cancer? What are the odds of that happening? Two deaths were enough. With every chemo treatment, every surgery, and every report that cancer had returned or had spread our family banned together and fought it all together.
But then the unthinkable happened.
In November of 2012 another one of my cousins reached out to our family with more news. Tarah (http://tenaciouslyteal.blogspot.com/) was diagnosed with stage IV ovarian cancer.
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| Tarah right after her diagnosis but before she started chemo |
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| Tarah going through chemo |
And then within a few days my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer.
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| My beautiful Mom |
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| My mom right after one of her two surgeries |
How did each of these people handle things? Amazingly.
My Father: He battled cancer for 6 1/2 years. During that time he continued to pastor the church I grew up in as much as he was able. Not only was he recognized in our community for his cancer fight and for the way that he chose to fight it (the local newspaper ran several stories about him), but his story also touched people worldwide. More than 500 people showed up to his funeral. Over 30 local pastors attended, many of my dad's doctors and nurses, and others that were fighting their own battle with cancer who was inspired by him also were in attendance.
Spencer: He fought his battle with cancer for about 4 years. During that time he continued his college classes as he was able. Spencer toured around the US holding "Living Room Sessions" where he performed many different songs he wrote. His songs still have an impact today. There are now several coffee shops in Europe called "Sweet Surrender" that are named after one of his songs in honor of him. At his funeral the church was so packed that they had to have closed circuit TVs stationed throughout the halls. His music and his memory still touches people today.
Aunt Christy (Spencer's Mom): She was able to beat cancer after a mastectomy and chemo. She continues to take pills to keep the cancer at bay. Her quiet strength helped walk her family through not only her battle but also Spencer's battle with cancer.
Aunt Marylynn (Tarah's Mom): After being diagnosed with two different types of breast cancer, several surgeries, and chemo she is in remission. Aunt Marylynn is now helping Tarah with her fight. She and my Uncle Rick are about to move from Oregon to Oklahoma where Tarah and her husband live to help them.
My Mother: My mom immediately got a double mastectomy a week after her diagnosis. She hated the idea that us girls now had two parents who had been diagnosed with cancer. Within a few months she had reconstructive surgery. Her bravery to immediately act has made it so that she did not have to have chemo - but only takes a pill to help keep the cancer away. I am constantly amazed at the ease she had making such a dramatic choice. It was very obvious to me that it was all done out of love her family.
Tarah: She recently finished a round of several different chemos. While she in the middle of chemo Tarah put together goodie bags for other chemo patients filled with things that she found helpful during her treatments. Tarah just announced that she is starting a non-profit to raise money to help support people while they are in the middle of chemo. There is a Facebook page called Teal for Tarah that has been her way of keeping the world updated and witnessing about her faith in Christ through this journey. Last weekend she flew to Oregon and spoke at my Uncle's church. You can hear her testimony here: http://www.brookingsnaz.org/BrookingsNaz/Podcast/Entries/2013/7/14_Tenaciously_Teal.html
But why do I write about all of this, and what does tenacity have to do with it?
te·na·cious
adjective \tə-ˈnā-shəs\
Tenacity is the act of being tenacious. Our family has done this in two very key ways that have helped us go through this horrendous journey.
First of all we were never pulled apart from each other as a family and we clung to each other. Even though we may not be aware of every day-to-day activity of each other's lives - we are still a very close family. We have all spent many hours talking to each other, crying with each other, praying for each other, and supporting each other. Sometimes this has been easy and natural. Other times it has caused us to leap out of our comfort zones to be able to do whatever someone else might need. Doctor's appointments, chemo treatments, hours waiting through surgeries, and the continual encouragement of each other when it is needed.
Secondly we have, in each of our different ways, clung to Christ. This second part has been one of the harder things for me - but ultimately what has saved me. Through each treatment, through each long night, and through each phone call with bad news God has walked through it with us. Knowing that there is something bigger than us and that ultimately God has not abandoned us has been the small hope that we have all clung to while we're handling this journey in our own way. What this means for me is really why I started this blog in the first place. Please, listen to Tarah's testimony. More than anything I can say that will help you see what I'm trying to portray.
Our family is weak through health issues but Christ is strong in our weakness. The glue of our family hasn't weakened at all - it has only gotten stronger. I am blessed to be a part of such a wonderful group of people. They have been examples to me and people I look up to. I miss my dad and Spencer very much...but one day we will all be reunited.
I love my family. We are full of tenacity. We fight hard and we fight strong through the strength that only comes through Jesus Christ our Lord.
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| This is most of our family. My mom was one of 6 children. My dad and Spencer were very missed this day |
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