“Though all three men faced the same hardship, their differing perceptions of it appeared to be shaping their fates. Louie and Phil's hope displaced their fear and inspired them to work toward their survival and each success renewed their physical and emotional vigor. Mac's resignation seemed to paralyze him and the less he participated in their efforts to survive, the more he slipped. Though he did the least, as the days passed, it was he who faded the most. Louie and Phil's optimism, and Mac's hopelessness was becoming self-fulfilling.” Louis Zamperini
Greetings from Cedar Falls,
I just wanted to fill you all in following my regular 3 month check in Iowa City this past week. Lab work and screens on Thursday revealed what I was expecting for the most part. The aches and pains from the treatment regimen continue with some additional pain I've been experiencing in my upper back. That problem has been intensifying over the past few weeks. It appears that the arthritis from the radiation treatments in my neck and jaw area has found an additional home in my upper spinal area. The good news is that no cancer cells appeared to be present. Amen. Some treatment options were shared, all of which have additional side effects and I've decided to hold off on them as long as possible and just stick with some anti-inflammatory "stuff" to get through it. I told my doctor that I continue to work out every day, and it's tough to get loose in the mornings, but once I get going, it seems to dissipate a bit. Guess it’s more about "mindset" than medication at this point. I think the ups and downs of not knowing what may be next are the most difficult part of the journey…
As usual, I had my nose in a book, (actually a couple of books) to help pass the time waiting and to seek some inspiration from others who may be struggling with their own "mindset" as they faced some of life's challenges. Nearing Home by Billy Graham was the first book, which in turn inspired me to read Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. Both reads offered some wonderful suggestions on dealing with some of the challenges all of us may someday face in life and I'd strongly recommend them. Billy Graham focuses on several things that struck home with me such as; living a life that matters, staying strong despite your circumstances, and most importantly, the hope of Heaven, which are subjects that span all generations and circumstances. He says that the Bible makes it clear that God has a specific reason for keeping us here. He models how we not only learn to cope with the fears and struggles and growing limitations we face as we age, but actually how we can grow stronger inwardly in the midst of these difficulties. Graham starts out his first chapter using a sports analogy (I always relate to those...). He discusses how he loved baseball and was focused on pursuing it more until God got a hold of his life and changed his direction. The chapter is aptly named “Running Toward Home.” (Sounds kind of familiar doesn’t it...) Starting in the first pages and continuing throughout the book, he candidly discusses the hardships associated with aging and the challenges it brings to all. I especially like how he not only describes how to deal with aging, but also how to prepare for it! Some sound advice for all ages.
As usual, I had my nose in a book, (actually a couple of books) to help pass the time waiting and to seek some inspiration from others who may be struggling with their own "mindset" as they faced some of life's challenges. Nearing Home by Billy Graham was the first book, which in turn inspired me to read Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. Both reads offered some wonderful suggestions on dealing with some of the challenges all of us may someday face in life and I'd strongly recommend them. Billy Graham focuses on several things that struck home with me such as; living a life that matters, staying strong despite your circumstances, and most importantly, the hope of Heaven, which are subjects that span all generations and circumstances. He says that the Bible makes it clear that God has a specific reason for keeping us here. He models how we not only learn to cope with the fears and struggles and growing limitations we face as we age, but actually how we can grow stronger inwardly in the midst of these difficulties. Graham starts out his first chapter using a sports analogy (I always relate to those...). He discusses how he loved baseball and was focused on pursuing it more until God got a hold of his life and changed his direction. The chapter is aptly named “Running Toward Home.” (Sounds kind of familiar doesn’t it...) Starting in the first pages and continuing throughout the book, he candidly discusses the hardships associated with aging and the challenges it brings to all. I especially like how he not only describes how to deal with aging, but also how to prepare for it! Some sound advice for all ages.
Unbroken I just couldn't put down...I found myself dog tired after reading it, having spent much of the night reading, eager to find out whether the story of Louis Zamperini, Olympic runner turned World War II POW, ends in redemption or despair … the following quote made quite an impact on me while Louis and two other POW's faced internment in the Japanese Prison camps:
“Though all three men faced the same hardship, their differing perceptions of it appeared to be shaping their fates. Louie and Phil's hope displaced their fear and inspired them to work toward their survival, and each success renewed their physical and emotional vigor. Mac's resignation seemed to paralyze him and the less he participated in their efforts to survive, the more he slipped. Though he did the least, as the days passed, it was he who faded the most. Louie and Phil's optimism, and Mac's hopelessness, was becoming self-fulfilling.”
What a message for anyone who may be facing the ups and downs of a cancer journey, or for that matter, any challenges they may be facing in life. I experienced this back in Iowa City when 6 of us entered treatments with the same diagnosis and only 3 of us made it through. Our mindset of either optimism or hopelessness can most certainly become self-fulfilling!
My visits to Iowa City and the opportunities I have had to visit with others who are facing similar journeys always brings to mind Regina Brett’s quote in God Never Blinks;
“If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.”
That certainly has rung true for me over the past two years, and I so appreciate the love and support all of you have provided both me and my family throughout that journey. As we prepare for the Christmas season, let’s take the time to pause and reflect on what should be in the Christmas "gift box". KEEP IT SIMPLE, and make a path for Jesus to come into our hearts as we face our daily challenges while allowing our optimism to become self-fulfilling in each of our lives.
Wishing each of you a Merry Christmas and a productive and enjoyable New Year.
Dave
Link to: Reflections from the Home Team BLOG
Link to Vimeo: Reflections from the "Home
Team"... Go the Distance
http://vimeo.com/53873087
http://vimeo.com/53873087
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