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10/25/2006: "The Glass is Half Full"
Nick and I were having a discussion the other day about how bad cancer was and that he was hearing of too many people dying from it. Throughout Nick's life, I have always tried to point out the good things in every situation. And to teach him that our reactions to everything are always our choice. As Professor Dumbledor explained to Harry Potter when Harry worried that his gifts made him too much like Voldemort, “It is not our abilities that show who we truly are, it is our choices.”
So Nick says, “Dad, there are positives to having cancer?” Well, I guess if I am going to live my life by a Glass-is-Half-Full philosophy, what better way to test it. So here is my list of the positive aspects of having cancer. Feel free to comment with contributions.
Hardly a day goes by when Jeanette and I don’t take the time to express how much we love and need each other.
When people spend time with me, sometimes our time is treated like it may be our last together. Wouldn’t it be great if we did this with everybody, all the time?
My faith in God has been strengthened and I have been able to give up more control of the outcome.
You get to say what you are thinking even if it may be socially inappropriate. People cut you a break as you are going through a soul-searching, what-is-it-all-about phase.
You get to learn so much. I have read more on health and diet than you can imagine. And my newfound knowledge not only helps me, but those around me, to eat and live better.
I have been able to explore other avenues towards health such as yoga, meditation, music, massage, and various alternative cancer therapies.
Since I decided to leave work, I have been able to spend every afternoon with Nick and Alex, picking them up from school and helping with homework.
I would never have had the time to train and compete in triathlons and a half marathon.
I have much more time to work in the yard. Time spent in my gardens and on outside projects is not only healing, but also leaves behind beauty to be enjoyed by others.
We are planning a trip to Germany (for my treatment) that will give Jeanette and I a chance to spend two weeks alone with Nick and share with him the wonders of Europe. We were married in Austria and I have wanted to bring Nick to that part of the world.
I would never have created a blog where I get to share my thoughts, trials and successes with so many friends and family. And I get to read your words of support in the comments (hint).
Finally, I will never, ever, take a day, an hour or a minute of my life for granted.
Replies: 8 Comments
on Thursday, November 2nd, Angie said
Thank you. You are making a huge difference for me and my family. What an incredible role model you are for your kids. As a parent myself, I can completely admire that and can only strive to do and be the same. Love you!
on Thursday, October 26th, Joan Ski said
...not to mention you have one of the most-read blogs around! Now we know the real reason Knight Ridder got run out of the Tri-Valley area--they couldn't compete!
You know the Poor Woman's Almanac asks, "When you get up in the morning do you say, 'Good Morning, Lord!' or 'Good Lord, it's morning.'? You have shown us we should do the former--thank you for that. You are a blessing.
on Thursday, October 26th, Nancy Lassner said
Doug,
Well, I want to let you know that you are always in my thoughts. I call my kids and grand kids at least once a week to tell them I love them. You have such a great attitude about everything and that is one way of fighting this terrible monster. I know you will continue to be up beat and we will be fighting with you all the way. Nancy Lassner
on Wednesday, October 25th, Cuz Ken said
Rock, I look at Nick and see us in the 60s and 70s, it makes me so proud of you to be a part of your kin - you give me strength to grow within, I think how fortunate Nick is to have parents - like you and Jeanette. I Love you very much ...
on Wednesday, October 25th, little bro said
When you got cancer it forced me to get checked. Hence my cancer was caught at an early stage. Maybe it forced other people who thought they were healthy to be checked, or at least change their lifestyle for the better. So you dont know how many lives you have saved. Thanks for saving mine in particular. Love ya Bro
on Wednesday, October 25th, Helen said
You have helped us learn to cherish what we have been given. I appreciate my loved ones and try to show them everyday. These are a couple of the positive things that have come from your cancer. I check your blog daily for inspiration.
on Wednesday, October 25th, Barbara Berman said
Hey Doug,
Well, I can certainly take a hint. Just wanted to write some words of support. Your incredibly positive attitude is inspirational. What an amazing role model you are for Nick! May you continue to have the ability to find good things in every situation.
All the best,
Barbara
on Wednesday, October 25th, Mike said
Hey Doug
Best Post Yet. I totally agree, thanks for always being a positive force. I read somewhere, more living takes place in one day in a cancer ward than a lifetime outside. Looking forward to catching up with you when you guys come this way. Anything I can do to help. As someone said, its not how many days we get to live that is important, but how we use the days we receive.
your friend,
Mike
