INSPIRATIONAL

“In Life There Are No Guarantees – But Never Lose Sight Of The Possibilities”

by Amy Tunick, columnist for South Florida Sun Times

Hi everyone. I’m writing this from my hospital bed. I should be home soon. I miss sitting at my computer writing, but I’ll make do with this handwritten journal book I’m using. My goal here isn’t to depress you. I’m just sharing life with you. As most of you know by now, my diagnosis is pancreatic cancer. It’s still hard for me to believe. But let me tell you this (you may need a tissue here). As much as I go up and down on this emotional roller coaster ride, I can’t and won’t lose hope. I’ll admit I’ve had some pretty rough days so far. Imagine, already 2 surgeries in one week – a laparoscopy and a double bypass. Comfortable? Uh, Not! But I’m in a completely powerless mode and if I keep fighting this, I get so depressed. Acceptance is the key to all our troubles today. Is accepting the battles of life tough? That’s not even the word. But if one wants to be a “survivor” in life, you have to swim.Yes, people have said to me they don’t understand why bad things happen to good people. Frankly, I don’t know the answer. We’ve all known one “good” person who’s had something really rough happen to them. That’s life. I really believe it’s just life working on life’s terms. Having this diagnosis has made me realize how trivial certain things in life are. I have way too much time lately to sit and reflect and get an understanding of why I’m here. I always thought it was to give to others. Maybe that’s it…or maybe it’s to be a positive magnet for people in general. At least that’s what I believe. The most important saying to me these days is “One step at a time”. And boy, do I mean that. You see, sadly, my doctor couldn’t take the malignant tumor out, as he had hoped, due to its location. So I have to undergo aggressive chemotherapy and possibly laser radiation. At least what they know is that it’s localized. That means it hasn’t spread. Hopefully the tumor will shrink, but who knows what the chemo will be like. Anyway, the point is – this is all new to me. I can fear it or I can choose to face it head on. Truthfully, there are times I just want the whole thing to go away. But it won’t. So I’ve decided the only way I can beat this cancer is to surround myself with positive, optimistic people. I need inspiration – like we all do – rather than people to question my every move. I need people who say, “Amy, I know you can survive. You can beat this! You’re tough!”There are never any guarantees in life, so my surgeons tell me. There are possibilities. There are always possibilities. My friends and family tell me that. You – all you beautiful readers tell me that.

I haven’t gotten to all your cards and letters yet, and they keep coming in, but I will read each and every one, and I thank you with all my heart for taking the time to send them.I believe you believe. And that’s what I need now to feel good. God bless all of you! Keep sharing. Your prayers are being heard..

Amy Tunick —
South Florida Sun Times

SFSunTimes@aol.com
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