Thursday, January 15, 2009

Are You Mad?

This was a question posed to me last weekend by a friend of mine. Initially, it took me by surprise. For the most part, people's questions around cancer pretty much stop at "How is Dan feeling?" (this week, not so good). And if you're reading this, chances are you are generally met with a positive attitude, and a slightly glossed over version of our life. The real tough questions or conversations tend to happen only between just Dan & I. Even if we told people, they'd still have no idea what really go through- only we do.

But I am sure this is a question many people ponder so I'll give you an honest answer. I think I am probably more mad than I realize. How can we not all be at this situation? However, if I stopped to be mad, I might never get anything done! And the way I look at it, there is something about being mad that lights a fire under people- hence the term "fired up". You just have to find a way to channel it into something positive... actionable. I'd take being mad over being depressed or morose any day. I can't do anything to change the course that has brought us here, and in many ways, I wouldn't want to change a thing. All I can do is take what I've learned & experienced and make something positive out of it.

Although, I do think anger is closely followed by exasperation. As in- if you had any clue what was going on in my life, you wouldn't (insert one of the following).... give me a parking ticket, give me bad customer service, let me go from my job....

But that is the darndest thing about cancer, and how we try to look at the overall experience. Life still keeps moving whether you like it or not, and you have to make the choice to move along with it, anger & all.

5 comments:

Obsessedwithlife said...

Good points! I hear ya...

Anonymous said...

I love your postive attitude, Meg!
Love, Cicily

Anonymous said...

Don't let comments get to you. Save your energies for more important things: hugs, kisses, long talks, meditating or just holding each other.
If you need some one to talk to, I will be glad to LISTEN.
Ana Maria

Anonymous said...

Dear Meg,
I absolutely understand what you mean by you and Dan being the only ones to know what it really feels like to be on this trip. We too are only too familiar with cancer and we have been to many scary places only we know about. For the parents and family it is slightly glossed over and I don't think they would ever really want to know what we really go through. Thank goodness we have our partners. I wish you and Dan the very best, keep fighting, support each other, love and listen to each other and many blessings to you both.

Bianne

Anonymous said...

Meg,

Great post, thanks for being a good friend.

Sam