In his “My Cancer” blog entry from yesterday, Leroy Sievers compares his experience as a cancer survivor to his experience as a war correspondent, ducking bullets in some of the world’s worst trouble spots.Cancer, he says, has been more difficult:
“Trying to cope with my cancer is the hardest thing I've ever done. Harder than any war. The toll on my body has been substantial, greater than any hardship I've endured.
And like those other major experiences, it has taught me things. I've learned more about who I am, more about strength and courage, more about life.
My career prepared me for that war, five years ago. I don't think anything can prepare you for cancer.”
Leroy’s got it right. Cancer is a stern and demanding teacher. Earning this diploma – which nobody in their right mind seeks – requires many of us to rise to ever more grueling challenges. With colon cancer that’s metastasized to his spine and lungs, Leroy’s had it harder than many. Yet, just about anyone who’s ever heard those words, “You have cancer,” can look back on the experience afterwards and marvel, “How far I’ve come!”
It’s one of those overused bumper-sticker sayings, to be sure, but it’s also true: “Whatever doesn’t kill us, makes us stronger.” Those who have the audacity to believe in the resurrection can attach a little addendum to that saying: even the thing that one day kills us will do the same.
