We see it everywhere. In various colors, the cancer collective are known as “warriors.” In the heat of battle, cancer girls feel less warrior-like and more like the defeated. It is indeed true cancer is a war and no one can fight the battles for you. Those, like childbirth, are your unique experience. But having a warrior or two in your corner doesn’t hurt.
Cancer girls are the Generals leading the charge but the people who stand on either side propping her up when she’s about to fall, are indeed warriors. Can you recognize them when you see them? Are you one?
You are a warrior if you drove her to chemo and radiation.
You are a warrior if you sat through the hours of chemotherapy drip with a smile on your face and biscuits and gravy at the ready.
You are a warrior if you picked up prescriptions.
You are a warrior if you lit candles and shared blessings.
You are a warrior if you took her to get a pedi.
You are a warrior if you cleaned her house when she couldn’t get out of bed.
You are a warrior if you brought her pretty pajamas or a book to read or art to look at.
You are a warrior if you sent a blanket.
You are a warrior if you stayed all night at the hospital.
You are a warrior if you cooked for her and made sure her children ate.
You are a warrior if you spent the night at her house so she would not be alone.
You are a warrior if you kept calling and leaving messages even though you knew she couldn’t or wouldn’t answer the phone.
You are a warrior if you read aloud to her for days in the hospital.
You are a warrior if you changed her sheets and cleaned the bathroom.
You are a warrior if you collected money for medical costs.
You are a warrior if you took her children out for a burger just to get away.
You are a warrior if you sent your prayers.
You are a warrior if you went to a million doctor’s appointments and took notes and asked questions.
You are a warrior if you forced her to eat.
You are a warrior if you told her she looked great when she looked like shit.
You are a warrior if you held her hand when she was afraid.
It is the warriors who carry us through—be it illness, death, hardship or everyday strife. You may not always notice, but if you look closely enough you will see their wings. Blessings dolls.
The Duchess Diaries 