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WRITE 2 THE HEART
Stories that are aimed "Write 2 the Heart"
July 13, 2004
Cheryl Speir, Editor, moderator @ write2theheart.com.
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How do we handle the obstacles in life? Usually not very well;
we fuss at God for the inconveniences we face. Then we hear
about people like Virgil and we become humbled.
Virgil’s Victory
By Kathy Whirity
My friend Virgil stopped by the other day on his way home
from a chemotherapy session at the hospital. It was his last mega
dose of chemo before returning to the hospital for yet another stem
cell transplant. His battle with cancer began when a routine blood
test revealed multiple myeloma, a type of cancer that affects both
blood and bone. After the initial shock of hearing the three most
dreaded words, 'you have cancer,' Virgil looked the doctor right in
the eye and said, "Okay, now what?"
Virgil is truly a lesson in inspiration. Since that day of
awakening he has amazed all who know him with incredible grace
and a defiance to live life on his terms. I have watched him,
hunched over and walking with a cane because it was much too
painful to walk on his own. I have seen the side effects of what
powerful drugs can do to a body. With balding head and extremely
bloated body, my old buddy and pal enlightens me, by experience,
on just what it takes to persevere.
Since Virgil's battle began he has helped open my eyes to a side
of cancer I never would have associated with this disease. Virgil
doesn't see his cancer as a death sentence but, rather, a life
reclaimed. It was hard, at first, to comprehend how he could
consider cancer to be the best thing that's ever happened to him.
But I think I'm finally beginning to see.
Through his eyes I am able to see that cancer may be capable of
battering the body but it cannot quell the spirit. It may have the
power to ravage your appearance but it cannot come close to
affecting the beauty of the soul within. Through his humble heart I
feel a deeper sense of appreciation for the simpler things in life.
Cancer helps you to cherish every day occurrences; like the
opportunity of waking up each new day in your loved one's arms,
as Virgil wakes to his beloved Gloria's love and guiding support
each and every morning.
Even though some procedures leave him physically racked with
pain, and sometimes recovery is slow in coming, his conviction of
spirit, to survive, is so strong that I believe him when he says he
will win the war with this internal terrorist.
Shortly after diagnosis, Virgil told me of a conversation he had
with one of the doctors treating him. The doctor asked him how he
was dealing with thoughts of his mortality. Virgil replied, "How
are you dealing with yours?"
For as long as I've known him, my friend has always been a
friendly, straightforward, feisty character. Cancer has not changed
that, thank God. He is not bitter at being given this cancer cross to
bear -- he's too busy living by the example that, although you
cannot choose your adversity - you have every choice in how you
handle it.
I wished him well that afternoon and hugged him extra tight as
we said good-bye. With a twinkle in his pale blue eyes and a smile
on his lips, he looked much too healthy to be a candidate for a stem
cell transplant. That day he glowed with the hope of new
beginnings.
Comfort in a time of potential uncertainty is what my friend
with cancer gave to me. I know his road to recovery will be a
rough one but I'm also confident that he's up to the challenge.
In a few days the candy man, as he is known to patients and
hospital staff, will return to the hospital. As soon as he's able he'll
be strolling up and down the hallways passing out sweet treats and
sharing his insightful gems of advice and encouragement with
others who, like him, are struggling to survive. He has become
something of an expert in the field of overcoming obstacles.
When Virgil was first diagnosed with cancer the doctors gave
him six months to live. They suggested he get his affairs in order.
He took their advice and organized his priorities. He turned to the
Lord and has never looked back. That was over six years ago.
In all this time there has never been an ounce of self-pity in his
quiet demeanor, only a steadfast determination to succeed in
beating this disease.
Virgil is living proof that there is a radiant quality of life,
after
cancer, that cannot be measured in days, weeks or months. It is a
quality made all the more meaningful by a wealth of family and
friends who rally to his cause , empowered by his faith. And as
long as his will to live sustains him he will continue to forever
enrich our lives with his strength, courage, and indomitable spirit
as he gratefully endures the fight to live on.
Kathy Whirity
kathywhirity @ yahoo.com
Kathy Whirity is a freelance writer and newspaper columnist.
She's been happily married to her husband Bill for 27 years. With
their daughters Jaime and Katie away at college, these empty
nesters are discovering, with sweet surprise, that the honeymoon's
not over, it's only just begun, again.
Kathy has had her writing published in, "Finding the Joy In
Alzheimer's,” "The Golden Formula" as well as the online
publications, Story Time Tapestry, Warm Fuzzy Stories,
Hearts With Soul, and Pet Warmers. Kathy looks forward to
hearing from you. You may contact her directly.
kathywhirity @ yahoo.com
You are encouraged to write to the authors to let them know
what you think of their story. Have a comment on today's story?
Send it to: moderator @ write2theheart.com
Letters From Our Readers
Hi, Cheryl! Thanks so much for "The Bonus" by Alison Peters.
I, too, have a daughter who is rather unlike me, only I'm the 'girly'
one. *g* She is a grown woman now, and as the years roll by, we
become closer and closer. We complement each other. Thanks for
a good story!
Donna J. Shepherd
www.devotionalsbydonna.blogspot.com
Thanks for the story The Bonus. Such a sweet and touching
story. It’s amazing how our kids can one day become our friends!
Cassey
Military Prayer Reminder
As you read over this list of names, please take a moment to
pray for these young people and their families:
Chris Speir
Tim Speir
Alan
Todd Holland
Graham
William
Julie Sagel
Jessie
Marshal Thompson
Jason
Eric Hernandez
Kristin Danielson
Ken Prieur
Ryan
Larry Miele
Daniel
Amy
John
Joanne
Gary Boardwine
Josh
Hadassah
Chanz Wackerly
Please continue to pray for our country, our leaders, and
our troops at this time. If you have loved ones in the military,
or who are being called to go overseas, send their names
(first and last or first only) to be included in our prayer
reminder.
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Cheryl’s Corner
When I think about exercise, I think about the verse: “… the
spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Mark 14:38b) I know
exercise is good for me. I know I will feel better if I do it. But, gee,
it’s such hard work! So, I am trying to convince myself to exercise
in the morning after I read my Bible, even if only for ten minutes.
So far so good, but this is only the first week.
God Bless,
Cheryl
Copyright © 2004, Write 2 the Heart
Nothing may be reproduced or published without
the written permission of the individual author or
copyright owner. All rights belong to the authors.
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