When taking the time out to focus on memories what tends to come to our minds first are the things that have had a negative emotional or physical effect on our lives. For this young woman she shares a lot of the memories that she had with her mother and father. But after the death of her mother her focus leans on the shoulders of her father. They spent time doing everything together believing that they would always have each other until her father gets a diagnosis that will not only forever change him, but it will also affect their relationship for the rest of their lives. As she becomes his caregiver and he works hard to recover we see two very beautiful souls come together to put forth the best fight possible. In the end like any Cancer survivor will tell you the best day, the best experience, the best moment of their Cancer voyage is the day they are able to ring the bell. Ringing the bell signifies that they are announcing they’re Cancer free. Within this story we see the beginning, middle, and end of one of the most difficult fights ever. Appreciate every moment you have with the people you love, because tomorrow they may get their life changing diagnosis, and that diagnosis will change the relationship you have with them and will most definitely change their lives. Be prepared, to walk hand in hand with them as they fight to ring their bell.
Ringing the Bell
I remember when my grandmother was sick and I was sitting by her bedside, listening to her reflect on some of the most difficulties she ever had. She talked about when my grandfather passed away, the day my mom went away to college, and when she found out her youngest grandchild was sick and needed a transplant. I never thought I was old enough to be able to reflect the way my grandmother did but now I realize that I am old enough, I’m old enough but I really don’t want to. Some of my saddest days are wrapped up in heavy memories. I remember coming home from elementary school and my dad being so upset, on the couch, crying, and bake me a batch of oatmeal raisin cookies, sat me on the couch and gave me a glass of milk. But he still wasn’t able to talk, and I didn’t know why. At only 11 years old, the only thing I knew to do was sit and enjoy my cookies and milk and eventually he asked if we could play charades. Charades was my favorite game and I always beat everyone in the family. He said this game of charades has to do with mom. I wasn’t exactly sure what that meant but I was ready to play the game and win. Through about 20 minutes of tears, I was able to put together that mom is dying… Mom is dying. I was hoping mom was pregnant. Praying mom was taking me on vacation. Never did I think mom was dying. It was the worst batch of cookies I’ve ever had.