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Two years and 111 blogs later, it is time for me to sign off and pass my blog on to the next person who has a story to tell. I have thought and thought and, after much discussion with my mom and dad, I have decided that I have written everything I can for this blog. I have poured my heart into it and shared a piece of my family that a lot of people don’t know and won’t ever get to see.
One thing I have realized over the past two years is just how special family is. If it weren’t for mine, I can honestly say that I would not be able to survive- emotionally, physically, mentally, or in any other way. Through all of my ups and downs my family is the one thing that has been there no matter what. Especially in these past few years, I’ve realized just how much I can depend on them. My mom is a survivor and a fighter and a woman I hope to be; my dad is my best friend; my sister is my role model; and they are all my heroes.
Because of my parents, my greatest goal and passion is to save a life. I’m not brave like them though, so I had no idea how I was going to do that. Until I discovered writing in Mrs. Drury’s English class when I was fifteen. Now I can say that I write to save a life. I write like no one is going to read my words so that way I can be honest. I have no idea who reads these words, but I sure do hope that they have touched just one life in even the slightest way.
I began writing this blog because I wanted to share my story in hopes that it would help someone else get through what I went through. I want people to know that cancer is not the end of the world. For us, it was the beginning. Despite the fear of not knowing what tomorrow holds, despite the drains that made Mom look like the alien opera singer from The Fifth Element, despite everything that mom had to go through, we came out alright. And even better than before.
If I leave anyone with anything at all, I hope that it is confidence and hope. Confidence that there isn’t anything you can’t do. And hope that it will get better.
I thank everyone who has helped my family from the bottom of my heart, especially the Liesman’s. Y’all have no idea how grateful I am for everything you have done for us. It is because of you that my family is where we are.
And for everyone who has taken the time to read what this 20 year old has to say, I am forever indebted to you. Thank you for believing in me.
In the words of the great Michael Buble: “You are not alone and I am there with you…when you feel like you’re done and the darkness has won…you’re not lost.”
