In A Room Full Of People...

Only one will be chosen to go on...and that is what I was told when my dad sat helpless in the chemo chair and I was asking about his odds.I never thought I would write about this but... I've been inspired to. Yesterday I was on myspace checking my messages and comments and wanted to check on a girl who lived on my floor in the dorms my freshmen year of college.We were friends grabbing lunch-dinner at the dining center. We lost touch and would run into one another through out the city always making plans to catch up but we never made the time. Years later when college was all said and done...we reconnected through myspace after making the grim discovery that both of our dads had the same cancer just different type. Her dad has small cell (rapidly grows) and my dad has non-small cell (slowly grows)both have their advantages and disadvantages. It was devestating to both of us and I found comfort in knowing I was not so alone. She to had the same type of relationship with her father as I did so she felt my pain and we supported one another and offered prayer and positive thoughts. Then our communication came to a hault and I had no idea why but I just figured that she was busy with family and work, as so was I. But then yesterday as I was checking up on her I made the grave discovery that her father died.A man I only knew through pictures... But in those pictures I saw a great man,father and husband. I tried to hold back the tears my own father was just in the other room and I didn't want him to see me upset.I then became bitter and blessed all at once (and yes that is possible)Bitter that cancer has taken another life but blessed that my own father is thriving and doing amazing up against a fatal disease.The doctor only gave my dad months to live and its been over 2 years. My father has no idea but his cancer taught me a lot of things...and out of the lessons I learned the most important one is to cherish every second of life because it is truly a gift.I hate how they only call those who survive the disease survivors. I believe although her father has passed away that he is a survivor he endured a lot of pain and he fought to be here for as long as he could. Every cancer patient whether they are here with us or not in my eyes is a survivor.«F.S.» rest in peace in the arms of the Lord.