Strength. When you have a child with cancer, you see references to that characteristic commonly enough, in social media posts, blogs, and links to articles about children with cancer and their families. They can be direct and straightforward: "I am amazed at how much strength you have...", or indirect and more subtle: "I have no idea what you are going through, or how I would even manage..."
But are we actually stronger than parents whose children never get such a catastrophic diagnosis? I don't think that's the case at all. But there is one difference: We have had that strength tested, while those who are not in our place have not. And like so many who have gone before us, we have passed that test, and moved on. And all those who follow us will be tested as well, and they too will pass.
So contrary to the way many people think about strength, and what it takes to endure a journey like this that is presented to us, we are not super human, or brave, or exceedingly strong in any fashion. We have been presented with something rather nasty and horrible, and we are simply getting through it, doing what it takes to survive. We have been tested, and have passed... And in the unlikely event you are ever tested, I am quite certain you will pass as well.
So contrary to the way many people think about strength, and what it takes to endure a journey like this that is presented to us, we are not super human, or brave, or exceedingly strong in any fashion. We have been presented with something rather nasty and horrible, and we are simply getting through it, doing what it takes to survive. We have been tested, and have passed... And in the unlikely event you are ever tested, I am quite certain you will pass as well.
