TV Can Be Good Sometimes

As I mentioned in an earlier post the cute cable guys came to finally get my cable working. Interestingly, when I turned the set on the program in progress was the telethon “Stand Up to Cancer”. I only caught the last 20 minutes or so, but man, what a throwback to recent years and an awakening to the current events in my life. The show was great. I hope some of you saw it and donated either some cash or the time to at least think about those affected by cancer, if you or your own loved ones aren’t already affected yourself.

It’s a horrible beast. It would be nice if the war in Iraq could end and more efforts could be focused on this monster that permeates all peoples in all countries. It doesn’t matter the stage, the type, benign or malignant. When the word enters your world and your psyche, it doesn’t go away.

The good news is that no one is alone in this world of cancer. We’ve all been touched in some way so we all need to touch someone in some way. Maybe today you can ask a friend how their parent or child is doing, maybe you can make an appointment with the dermatologist or for a colonoscopy, maybe you can spend more time with someone, accompany someone for the ride to the hospital, maybe just be with someone.

Help them to continue to live with this thing. Life does not stop. Indeed it’s changed forever. Those of us without actual tumors inside of our bodies need to recognize that in support of those with the tumors. But life in fact does, can and will go on for those that live with the “thing” inside and for those with the beast permanently attached to them via a loved one(s).

Of course we need to be proactive about preventing this disease – exercise, eat healthy, quit smoking…But we also need to LIVE. No one knows how long their timeline will actually be. So, having seen how this thing works and how it tears through your life, it is my opinion that this process of living can and should be a balance of proceeding with caution and living on the edge. So, live with moderation and enjoy. Go to the beach, have a smoke and eat a porterhouse once in a while!

One of my favorite songs (it will be one of my entries on the upcoming list of songs that were submitted before my departure) is Run 4 Life by Melissa Etheridge. Thank you to Chrissy for sharing it with me. The lyrics are great, below, but it's best when you turn it up WICKED LOUD:

It's been years since they told her about it
The darkness her body possessed
And the scars are still there in the mirror
Everyday that she gets herself dressed
Though the pain is miles and miles behind her
And the fear is now a docile beast
If you ask her why she is still running
She'll tell you it makes her complete

(Chorus)

I run for hope
I run to feel
I run for the truth, for all that is real
I run for your mother, your sister, your wife
I run for you and me my friend
I run for life

It's a blur since they told me about it
How the darkness had taken its toll
And they cut into my skin
And they cut into my body
But they will never get a piece of my soul
And now I'm still learning the lesson
To awake when I hear the call
And if you ask me why I am still running
I'll tell you I run for us all

Chorus

And someday if they tell you about it
If the darkness knocks on your door
Remember her
Remember me
We will be running as we have before
Running for answers
Running for more

Chorus

I run for hope
I run to feel
I run for the truth, for all that is real
I run for your mother, your sister, your daughter, your wife
For you and me my friend
I run for life

I run for your mother, your sister, your wife
I run for you and me my friend
I run for life