Warriors

This morning I met a wonderful woman who has just finished her descent through breast cancer treatment, and commences now on her ascent to full health and transformation. I had the privilege of meeting Pam because she was nominated to receive a medal from Medals 4 Mettle, an organization that I volunteer with. Pam's dear friend, who lives in Texas, had nominated her for a medal because of the wonderful sense of humor and strength of spirit that had carried her through major surgery and six rounds of chemotherapy. Yesterday was the last chemo treatment.

After I presented her with a marathon finisher's medal and certificate, Pam told me a little about her treatment. She noted that when she walked into MD Anderson, in Houston, she immediately felt like she was in a "roomful of warriors." She also noted that an illness like cancer forces you to find another dimension of yourself, which she, like many thousands of men and women, has found.

When I left Denver and headed for the gym I ran into another indomitable friend in the locker room. My dear friend Chris, who had a catastrophic compound fracture in her ankle last May, is now up and walking with only one crutch. She has come through two serious surgeries and many, many discouraging days; not only is she close to walking again but she has finished a full-sized portrait of the David and done many other art projects while she was laid up on her couch. When I noted that new challenges help us pass the time and stay motivated while we are ill she said, "that, and we have only touched a fraction of our potential."

The human spirit is flexible, resilient, amazing. Life can be harder than one can possibly bear, but we bear it. My heart goes out to everyone fighting their way through the valley and up the mountain, and to their caregivers and families as well. You are warriors, and you will find your other dimension.