We all have certain things - unique to each of us - triggers that can tickle our tear ducts. Some sad things, some happy things, and some bitter sweet things. Moments or visuals such as a frightened dog stranded/abandoned on the side of a busy and isolated stretch of interstate, the surprise reunion of a child and their parent after the mom/dad has returned from an extended tour of duty to a faraway land, a father walking his daughter down the aisle to be wed (ok, those are my things - but everyone has their own - come on . . . admit it).
Another life circumstance that tends to tug at the heartstrings of even those with ice-water running in their veins is kids with cancer. Unlike many other topics shared within these "pages" which have been drawn from my own personal experiences, mine is not a pediatric oncology practice, so I don't see these underage underdogs firsthand. But we are all exposed to the strength and suffering of children and parents and families that must tackle this trauma and bear this burden. Their plight is at times both incomprehensible and inspiring. Children are amazingly resilient. Whether it’s naïveté or the courage of a rushed adulthood (spurred on by a cancer diagnosis) their examples are worthy of our respect, admiration, and a few tears.
If it all were to end for me tomorrow I could satisfy the cliche and say I had a good “run.” But a child hasn’t even figured out who or what they are - and has barely “crawled” let alone had a run. To be fortunate enough to survive this scourge at such a tender age is still unfair and most likely leaves some degree of unseen scars on their development and personalities. In the end, there is much to be learned from these powerful little people and the grace under pressure that they demonstrate to us - probably without even realizing the magnitude of their situation or the strength of their character.
