You Can Lead a Horse to Water...

Shock, Denial, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance. We went through them all and then some... sometimes more than once. First when my daughter survived Thyroid cancer and now with my husband.

After my loved ones cancer diagnosis, I was very eager for him to have the support he needed. But as anyone knows, it is hard for someone else to tell you what you need to do, even if it would be good for you. So when I heard about LIVE STRONG, I looked into it and emailed him the link, letting him know he would find it in his inbox and just to take a look when he was ready.

Time went by, and even though I was eager, I tried not to nag, but asked gently now and again if he had taken a look at the email. He simply replied that he had not deleted it. That was a win in my book.

Then one day, he surprised me and told me he had read about the group and decided to sign up. I tried to suppress my joy, but I was beyond excited. On this difficult journey, I knew he needed to find his people. The ones who could understand in a way that I could not.

So, at the local YMCA, he began going twice a week. The sessions, from what he told me, were filled with community, sharing and LOTS of exercise to strengthen them to live strong. I began noticing a difference. Tired legs and body, of course, but lots of smiles, increase in stamina and interest in doing things. It was a gift for him and a gift for me.

The LIVESTRONG 12-week program sessions are over now and he will move onto their next program in the fall, called "Strong." I am thrilled that many of his new friends will be coming back.

If you know anyone, who is dealing with cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery and is need of strengthening of body and spirit,

I cannot recommend this group highly enough.

You can get more info here or at your local YMCA.

For today's poetry Friday, I thought I would share the beautiful poetic lyrics my daughter wrote for her song, "Calling All Survivors." It is an amazing video, when you think that this was recorded not long after her two surgeries and treatment.

She could have lost her voice.

Thank God and thanks to the amazing medical care she received,

she was able to make this beautiful rallying cry against cancer and for survivors.

For more lovely poetry go to our host: Carol Labuzetta at Apples in My Orchard.

Thanks for hosting, Carol! And thanks Erica Leigh for the inspiration!