This weekend we remember to remember the real heroes in our lives.
Words like survivor and recovery and courage and veteran and yes, even hero were flowing during the speeches, tributes and commemorations that filled the past few days of this long weekend. The bravery was acknowledged, the sacrifices were noted, and the unparalleled ability of human beings to stare valiantly into the face of evil was heralded. These attributes only begin to scratch the surface of heroism that women and men of service have embodied for many too many wars. And to some degree, cancer patients walk this earth sharing many of the same characteristics - having waged many of the same types of "battles" of their own. War and Cancer have way too much in common.
Dear readers, please don't get me wrong. I am acutely aware of the glaring differences between these two life challenges, and the intent of my narrative is not to position one as more difficult or noble than the other. But as we seize upon this hallowed weekend as an annual opportunity for introspection, let us offer the cancer patients and the families of the fallen their moment of acknowledgment for: the skirmishes they have endured, the wounds they were inflicted with, and the scars left with the survivors and their next of kin.
To answer the query posited in the intro - indeed our military service-women and service-men are heroes of incalculable merit. But we are also surrounded by an all-too rapidly expanding cavalry of cancer commandos - our own family and friends and neighbors and co-workers. Unsung heroes who demonstrate a different kind of courage that helps them: manage their daily battles, stay strong for all of those around them engaged in the same conflict, and face down an enemy who seemingly shows/knows no mercy ("enlisting" the youngest and the oldest warriors among us).
I don't feel like a hero, but I do feel like I've been through a war, I do feel a bit wounded from the experience, and I do feel like I will always carry a little of the residual horror with me. Nothing that can't be assuaged by the love of family and friends - just the permanent feeling of having been the veteran of a foreign invasion.
My deepest respect and thanks to all who have and do make the ultimate commitment for the sake of our freedom and safety.
