Inspired

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. I encourage all women to do monthly self-breast exams and all men to inform the women you love. I can relate to both sides of the end result of the battle against breast cancer. I am proud to say that my mother is approaching 3 years of being cancer free! Thank you God:) I love her so much and am so glad she was able to pull through. It was only with the grace of God that she made it, because there were some somber days. My Auntie Jackie's battle, however, didn't turn out the same way. Her battle is over now, but she is no longer physically with us. I remember the exact day she passed and how my heart fell straight through my chest. After working the early morning shift at Sam's Club, I looked at my phone on my way clocking out and saw that I had 10 missed calls. This was quite unusual and I immediately knew something was wrong. As I slowly opened my phone and nervously viewed my missed calls, I had several calls from one of my Aunts who doesn't normally call me. Holding my breath, I dialed her number. The news I heard when she began to talk was piercing to my spirit. She informed me that my Aunt had slept away in the early morning hours. Her passing didn't take me by surprise, because this was her second bought with breast cancer. The first time she underwent intensive chemo and radiation that ultimately led to her second occurrence. As a registered nurse, she thought chemo and radiation was the best option for her case. Upon her second bought, she had begun to regret her initial decision to undergo the intensive treatment. So she thought she would just eliminate the risk of the cancer returning for a third time and underwent a mastectomy. However, the mastectomy didn't get what was lurking behind---cancerous fluid around her lungs. There was nothing the doctors could do.

My Aunt spent her entire life unselfishly giving to others. She helped raise me along with her 5 other children. She had escaped an unhealthy marriage and was such an inspiration to all who knew her. I cried so hard when she left this physical world but in my heart I knew she was rejoicing with the angels in heaven. She didn't have to suffer and her storm was over. She still lives on in the lives of all those she touched. She helped my mom get through her battle, but we couldn't help her get through hers. God wanted his Angel back and I'm glad to know she's resting in His arms.

I remember my Aunt and think of her courage. I look at my mom and see her faith and endurance. I think of them and am inspired. Inspired to live. Inspired to persevere.

Hopefully you've been inspired to check your breast health or tell someone you love about monthly check-ups. It's easy and it could save your life! Don't forget your yearly mammograms!

Here is a link to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. They have a wealth of information waiting on you.

Be informed. Be sure. Check monthly. Help Find the Cure!

Photo courtesy of deviantART by allentattoo

Rejoice in the Lord always, for He is good!