Brandis's Post

[Cancer] Cancer isn’t a word I would ever anticipate I would have to associate with, nor would this encounter any of my loved ones.

Earlier this year, I was proven wrong when my best friend was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. I remember the voicemail she left that day, I remember thinking ‘something is wrong’ … her voice isn’t the same. I remember not being able to get a hold of her and it feeling like it was the longest wait I had ever encountered … I then remember her phone call … yet, I can’t even remember what my husband said to me when he proposed or even simple things like what I wore yesterday, but I do remember her phone call almost word for word. She didn’t hesitate or beat around the bush … it was just “I have Breast Cancer.” Wait. What do you mean, you have Breast Cancer?! - Didn’t life see the first line I wrote above … Cancer isn’t associated with me or my loved ones, it just isn’t. When I hung up with her, I called my husband crying and realized …Cancer IS now a word that I associate with and IS encountering my loved ones and I am NOT in control. Cancer has taught me:

EVEN THOUGH WE CANNOT CONTROL EVERYTHING, WE DO CONTOL SOMETHINGS:

WE DO BELIEVE.

WE DO HAVE FAITH.

WE DO HAVE FUN.

WE DO FORGIVE.

WE GET SECOND CHANCES.

WE CAN CHANGE.

WE ARE REAL.

WE DO ENCOURAGEMENT.

WE CAN CRY.

WE DO MAKE MISTAKES.

WE GIVE HUGS.

WE SPREAD LOVE.

WE DO LEAN ON OTHERS.

WE DO STRENGTH.

WE ARE FAMILY.

WE ARE FRIENDS.

A similar phrase now hangs in my 2 year old son’s room, to remind him (and our family) that life is short and each person is responsible to make of it what they will; no matter what life tosses them that they may not be able to control.

Jessica cannot control cancer, nor does she deserve cancer … but I believe Jessica was dealt this card to teach those around her, there are things in life you DO control. She is one of the most inspiring people I have ever met and I hope to be blessed one day with strength as powerful as hers. Jessica is a blessing and we all need to remember there are many things in life we DO CONTROL and with this power, we are stronger than cancer.

Brandis

xoxo