There is nothing I love more than someone else's story. I started my blog as a way to cope with the loss of my dad, and it has evolved into a series of posts about where I am in life. A friend at Team in Training (she's actually the director) told me to check out Dave's blog. I don't know Dave or his story, but I found out real quick. Dave has been battling a rare form of Leukemia for 10 years. Thinking back ten years ago, I was 18 and getting ready to head to college. What a difference 10 years can make...
In my last blog post, I said I was going back to school for a nutrition degree. My mom and I sat down one afternoon to work out the logistics of this decision—cost of tuition, books, fees; where I’d live; types of jobs I could have while putting myself through school, etc.—and we also looked up types of jobs I would search for after becoming a Registered Dietician. It was a long afternoon and there were a lot of tears, but I finally decided that is not the path for me. To be in a clinic dealing with patients everyday isn’t my passion. My interest is more in how food affects the body, and that would take a Masters degree and possibly a PhD to live that so-called dream.
I have debated going back to school to teach time and time again. I loved the kids, creating good lessons, and many other things, but the current state of public education is so bad that I can’t put myself through the frustrations of teaching. Not to mention, my former principal and a good friend both told me that I need to consider myself lucky that I’m out of the classroom. How can the most important part of our society—the education of children—be so bad?
I auditioned to become a head personal trainer at the number one outdoor fitness camps in Dallas. Not only did they tell me I’d be a great trainer, I spent two-and-a-half days in Austin learning the business. But then things got weird, people quit responding, and I didn’t know if they wanted me to be part of their company or not. I see it now as God’s way of helping me close the door on yet another “dream” that wouldn’t fulfill me in the long run.
So, here I am. Completely and totally lost. What’s next? Where do I go from here? People have always told me that I am capable of being whoever and whatever I want in my life, but I don't know which way to turn.
And then God smacks me in the face when I read a blog about a man battling cancer. His optimism is apparent, but what choice does he have? Fighting cancer is just as much a mental battle as it is physical. I say this knowing my daddy fought like a champion, as did the rest of his family and friends. But Dave, the cancer victim for over 10 years, is still fighting, still trying to get through the chemo and the radiation, always thankful for the morning when God gives him another day to live. I have never met Dave, but I can honestly say he’s one of my heroes.
And then God smacks me in the face when I read a blog about a man battling cancer. His optimism is apparent, but what choice does he have? Fighting cancer is just as much a mental battle as it is physical. I say this knowing my daddy fought like a champion, as did the rest of his family and friends. But Dave, the cancer victim for over 10 years, is still fighting, still trying to get through the chemo and the radiation, always thankful for the morning when God gives him another day to live. I have never met Dave, but I can honestly say he’s one of my heroes.
If you’re feeling down, or you simply want to read about Dave, please visit his blog: http://www.adventureswithleukemia.blogspot.com/
