A Year For A Cure?

by Christine Clifford Beckwith, CSP

“There's no thrill in easy sailing
When the skies are clear and blue,
There's no joy in merely doing things
Which anyone can do.
But there is some satisfaction
That is mighty sweet to take,
When you reach a destination that
You thought you'd never make.”
Spirella

Here's a toast to a New Year, and to health, joy, prosperity, peace and happiness. I'm really excited about this New Year and everything we all have to look forward to. For with every New Year come change, resolution, promises and commitment. As we reflect on all the things that took place in our lives last year, don't we all have a lot to be thankful for?

We are survivors of another year, after all. For you see, it was eleven years ago on New Year's Day that I sat in a hospital recovering from cancer surgery. I've learned that each and every day is precious to us, but another year… well, a year is a gift from heaven.

Did you wake up this morning and embrace the day? I did, and it is something that cancer taught me to do. I didn't always have this appreciation for life-- living was something I simply took for granted. Cancer allowed me to realize that every day is a gift to be cherished; a year is a milestone in the road to survivorship.

The year holds so much promise. Only weeks ago the headlines in the news blared, “Cancer deaths fall for the first time in decades!” Maybe this will be the year they find the cause.

The year holds so much hope. New drugs are developed every day that prolong our lives, ease the pain, suppress the disease. Maybe this will be the year they discover a guaranteed treatment.

The year holds so much passion. There are physicians, scientists, politicians, and clergy who are all doing research to put an end to the disease. Maybe this will be the year they find a cure.

Having been diagnosed with cancer at the age of 40, I used to worry “what if I only live another year; three years; five years?” Now my optimism has me asking, “What if I've only lived half my life? What will I do with another 51 years?” Well, I may not live to be 102, but I know what I'll do with whatever time I have left on this earth.

I will meet people wherever I go. Have you made a new friend lately? I will read and study and educate myself. Have you learned something new this week? I will set new goals of things I want to accomplish-- this week, this month, this year. Have you set a goal to get through your treatments; celebrate your survival anniversary; help a friend in need? I will laugh every day. Have you told a joke, heard an amusing story, read a funny book?

New Year's is a time for new beginnings. So make a resolution: to maintain a positive and healthy attitude each and every day. So that this time next year, we will all be able to say: “See, we did it again! It's another New Year!” Don't forget to laugh! ™