Photograph by Firefly Steve Caputo, Light of Day Gallery
Peace Through Adversity – The upheaval that I’ve endured over the past four months has taught me a lot about patience, about knowing the limits of what I can control and understanding how to react to the things that I cannot. There is peace in surrendering to the universe that which the universe commands.
In this image, my eye is on reaching the calm that lies beyond the rocks. But getting there requires careful navigation over rough terrain. In these situations I’ve learned not to forsake a helping hand. I’m so thankful for all those involved in my care and support, they are in fact the helping hand of God leading me to the calm waters of recovery. With each step, I am finding it is me and not the stones that becomes bolder.
For all those scaling the rocks, hold fast to those guiding you. You are not alone.
Lighting the Trail – The week continues to be a good one. I feel more energy, more sense of taste returning with each passing day.
As October winds down, so too does the American Cancer Society’s October Photo-a-Day challenge. Posting a photo a day was never the issue for me. The challenge presented itself when I chose to marry those images to a narrative about my current battle with the disease. Why would I want to share my diagnosis at all, much less on a platform like FB? Why would I want to dwell on this condition every day for 31 consecutive days?
Being a cancer newbie and knowing that too many others are being initiated into the fraternity each day, I think I thought that lighting the trail a bit might make it easier for those behind me. To be honest, I did not know where it would lead, or what the reaction might be. In fact, on many days, the words were not easily forthcoming. It was not until I stopped trying to force a thought and started listening (to my inner voice, to God…) and let myself become the delivery vehicle for the thought that the messages began to write themselves.
I will forever associate this exercise with my own healing. Verbalizing my hope and trust and faith has helped galvanize my spirit. Thank you for enduring this with me, I’m looking forward to moving beyond all this talk of cancer, and returning to the task of looking for the life and love and beauty in the world that is all around us.
The love and prayers and support you’ve all offered has been soul-strengthening, and I am eternally grateful for ALL of it. The messages of encouragement for these posts gives me hope that they may act as a beacon to help other travelers to look up from their lives and recognize they are not alone, and that peace is within their reach, no matter the prognosis.
I’m taking a photo a day to help the American Cancer Society fight for a world without cancer. Like so many, I have known family and friends who’ve battled the disease, including some who continue to fight. This year, I find myself personally impacted, and it occurs to me that this platform offers a way to channel my passion for photography to help relay a personal journey that may resonate with others. Please consider making a donation because every little bit helps. Thank you for your support!
