I would say my most difficult chapter in life was when I was diagnosed with bladder cancer.
The media bombards us with flashes of death in stories and graphic pictures of vehicle accidents, murders, and wars, but we block them out of our minds. We feel as though we are safe and protected. We accept death of war heroes and old people, but we tend to reject the idea of it happening to us. We focus on guarding and enjoying our lives and distance ourselves from thoughts about death.
When I was diagnosed with cancer and the possibility of death, I was forced to accept this reality. I swung back and forth between fear and hope, and the emotions that came with that diagnosis – disparity, anxiety. A whole array of emotions took over, and a whole lot of questions – did I do everything I wanted to do? Did I fulfill my purpose on earth? Was I ready to leave my children and my husband? To every question, the answer was no.
I wondered whether I should fight or give up. As you can see by reading this, I chose to fight. It was the hardest fight of my life. And I don’t think I could have done it if my faith in God were weak. My faith and hope brought me peace and clarity in the middle of the pain and distress.
From Pity to Praise 