Congratulations to Richard Jackson for his thoughtful and gratitude words that won the Wise Words of Thanks contest. Richard’s endurance during his cancer recovery inspired many of us to be thanksful for our health this season and all throughout the year. His words follow below. Richard received a bag full of Metro Health goodies and a $20 gift card to Texas Land & Cattle.
Honorable mentions went to Susanne Tejeda, Steve Kotsatos and Dahlia Gomez for their kind words. They received a Metro Health stainless steel insulated mug and pen.
Thank you to all the staff that participated. As always please share your ideas on this contest and how we can make it better. Congratulations!
Fewer words are more disturbing than these: “You have cancer.”
I know. I was told that on March 4, 2010. My father died from the disease in 1979, so I wasn’t surprised. In fact, since that time I have been tested at least once a year, as I believe all men should be after 40. Despite what recent studies say, I know the test saved my life. Yes, I was afraid. Yes, the side-effects of treatment were uncomfortable and upsetting. They still are at times.
There is another side to cancer that few, who haven’t been there, understand. It humbles you and brings you face to face with mortality and your place in this world. I became keenly aware of the “community” I have around me and how connected we are despite ourselves. People do care. Many offer support to us every day we live, and we are not aware of it. My journey through cancer diagnosis and treatment brought me to a new sense of thankfulness for the people in my life – and for life itself. Gratitude is a better word, really.
I have to say to I am grateful to cancer for teaching me gratitude. It makes every day in life and every relationship a blessing - even bad days and “challenging” relationships we all have. They are blessings and instruments of grace that have made us who we are. Gratitude makes every breath I take a gift and opens me to others. I hope you don’t have to learn gratitude the way I did, but I do wish for each of you the gift of gratitude.
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