Helpful mantras

There were three basic messages I communicated to my boys across their growing up years: Fight the good fight; Be a leader for good; and Never give up. I'm not sure my boys would identify those messages today as my priorities, but as a mom, I worked hard to create strength in my children. While giving them wings, I wanted my boys to handle the challenges of their days and make a good life.

Why do I write about this today? It comes to mind as I listen to the news about Ukraine. I do believe the masses of Ukraine had a similar parent. They are strong leaders, all of them, and they believe in their freedom, so will not give up. The leadership and general population are amazing and inspiring, and I pray for them. Their struggle brings tears to my eyes. I wish I had a magic wand. 

At the same time, I see application of these messages to those of us under the cancer influence. We cancer folks are doing our best to fight the good fight against a formidable obstacle to our freedom and more normal life. It takes courage and faith. It takes friends and family to hold our hand. It takes patience to manage each day with the curves that chemo tosses into our path. Over months and years, we continue that fight together.

Being a leader for good in cancer is a commitment to positive thinking and support to each other. I keep hoping my blog reaches others who are part of the cancer journey. I want them to know that I am here offering love and a listening ear. I am with you. Here I offer up an idea that has helped me. Our infusions can be thought of as God's love pouring into our veins. With that as a creative image, an infusion can feel peaceful rather than scary. It keeps us open to miracles happening.

And never give up. Never give up. Never give up. I have that sign in my sewing room so that when I get frustrated with a quilt - and I've unsewed a seam more than once or twice - I won't give up. I know I can solve the piecing problem. I know it will come together alright. 

With my cancer, I believe it will retreat. I do. I believe in my good doctors and nurses. I believe that God works through each of them, and I am certain the medications will do what they are supposed to do. I will never give up. I know it will come out alright. 

So I pass these messages on to you and encourage you to make them a mantra. Fight the good fight. Be a leader for good. Never give up....and keep talking to God. 

Signing out in love, The quilting cancer girl