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Bill in Tennessee's avatar

As always, there are nuggets of truth lurking in Sean's entry today.

My wife and I both are cancer survivors, and the main thing we learned from our experiences is that facing cancer should NEVER be done alone. We leaned on each other, especially through the difficult times when we were simply too weak, or too stunned by pain meds, or too brain-fogged to do anything ourselves. I simply could not have made it through my treatments had not my courageous wife stepped up to the plate and took over everything. And then 5 years later, our roles were reversed when she had her own cancer episode.

Those occasions of adversity made our bond even greater, and today both of us are cancer-free and have recovered completely. But I think it is entirely possible that by both of us having cancer and needing each other in the darkest parts of those times -- her overseeing my many meds and acting as intercessor with my doctors, me holding her head while she vomited into the toilet and driving her to her appointments, and both of us crying late into the night -- might have been preordained to make us see that we are not simply two separate individuals, but rather two halves of a whole.

And yes, hugs were very important medicine during those times. LOTS of hugs and the simple reassurance that we were there for each other. We consider ourselves blessed to be in each others' lives.

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Matt Ovaska's avatar

And the Lord said, It is not good for man to live alone.

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Donna Buchanan's avatar

You both were blessed to have each other!

I have just been given a cancer diagnosis and have no one in my home to be a helper as the time passes. It will be fine no matter what. God is with me.

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Bill in Tennessee's avatar

Donna, if you don't mind, I want to pray for you. I have a small list of people I pray for nightly, and would gladly add you to my list. God bless you as you navigate your coming days.

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Donna Buchanan's avatar

Thank you.

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Molly's avatar

Donna, I had a touch of cancer last year and found so many people who prayed for me and with me—I asked for prayers for “no fear.” It really helped! The other thing that really, really helped is that most days after radiation a good friend and I would go out to lunch—I highly recommend this, because the whole tedious time I was being radiated I was thinking about lunch —lol! So far I’m cancer free—but I still have my prayer warriors! I will add you to my prayer list. Oh, by the way. I hope you can find a copy of “Healing Words” by Dr. Larry Dossey which is about scientific experiments that dealt (successfully) with prayer. May God bless and keep you!

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Donna Buchanan's avatar

I am so glad you are all right now.

I went to the oncologist for the first time yesterday. She said she doesn't think it is cancer.

I go for tests in April and pray she is right!

I never realized how dealing with various doctors and perhaps problems would make my head spin! I pray for healing and peace for all of us.

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Susie S's avatar

Kudos to you and your other half, Bill. Yours is a LOVELY STORY!! THANKS FOR SHARING ALL THAT. WE ALL NEEDED TO HEAR IT!! ❤️❤️🥰

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John Cooper's avatar

And even some 62 year olds need that too.

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Charles Clemens's avatar

If only we didn't live in such a perverted and sexualized society. Not only are we afraid to hug one another, often we don't dare look into our fellow lonely humans' eyes for fear of having our motives questioned.

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Zelda Nichols's avatar

Come to the south. Here everyone hugs, during Covid the south shriveled up because we couldn’t hug.

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Donna Buchanan's avatar

I am a "hugger"! At church as I walk up to someone they put out their arm ready for their hug! I love it. I have trained them well!

I am in the South too!

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STEVEN BENNETT's avatar

Thank goodness you were born a 'Hugger' Donnas as this hurting world does not have enough of us around....so while you fight your health battle NEVER stop hugging any and all who cross your path and may their hugs empower you to healing and wholeness. Love always conquers and wins in the end.

You are NOT alone out here in cybersppace. You have made friends that have become your 'Extended' family of choice!!! Please reach out whenever you need to dear Sister. B-I-G ole' BEAR ("")("") hugs from 'Santa' Steve

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Susie S's avatar

I'm smelling what your stepping in, Charles. And, yes, it is sad beyond belief.......today's Div Sta of Amer. It's a Republic....if we can keep it.......and we are not. 😪

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Paul McCutchen's avatar

My bonus great granddaughter, who is years away from 12, came up to me while I was stretched out in the recliner and asked in a voice, I could hear her mother "Could you spend some time with me?" I asked her if she wanted to watch the ballgame with me and so she climbed on the couch but worked her way to my lap and went to sleep. Her mom came in and proceeded to get her back on the couch. I pointed my finger at her and told her to leave her alone because she was watching the ball game with me. When her mom walked off, she wrapped her little arm around me, or as far as she could reach, and went back to sleep. Sometimes a ballgame and a lap are all it takes to satisfy the "spending time together".

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Bonnie's avatar

Sean, you say “I don’t have kids”. That implies you are not a “dad, father, whatever title fits here”. But you ARE a dad to at least two young ladies that you care for, and shower love on. That COUNTS IMMENSELY. Just ask them…

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Patti Adkisson's avatar

This gray haired 12 year old couldn’t agree more.

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Paul McCutchen's avatar

Mine is thinning gray hair.

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Dolores's avatar

Purpose in our trials is a great comfort. They often make us better people. Sometimes they even lead us to life’s calling.

I give you…

Joni Eareckson Tada

Nick Vujicic

Helen Kelller

J K Rowling

Corrie ten Boom

And of course, Sean Dietrich. If I were that parent I’d look back and unearth the good that came from that particular trial. I realize it might be hard. An excellent surgeon is already named. I imagine valuable intangible lessons were learned as well.

And the serenity prayer is not just for AA meetings.

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Kathy's avatar

Love is what helps nearly everything!!

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SteveA's avatar

Hugs to you and all that need one today. In reality we ALL need one.........or two or many.

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Josie's avatar

Beautiful words of advice my dear friend 🙏

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Kay Britton's avatar

I really think you need to be a therapist

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Susie S's avatar

Seaner already is a therapist...for all of us.

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Charles Clemens's avatar

Gary had an interesting life. Much like an astronaut. All things, in their time, pass on to the next adventure. Don't berate yourself. You were a wonderful father to that fish.

I live in Sevierville and frequently check where you are performing. I would sure like to see your act and maybe be able to meet you.

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Don Gardner's avatar

There is so much power in a hug!

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Julie RN's avatar

Who coined the phrase “Love Makes the World Go ‘Round”…I traced it back to 1896!! Many musical renditions later, it still holds true.

Whether it be a comforting touch, a squeezing hug, holding a hand, a friendly kiss, or even just a warm smile…they’re all expressions of LOVE.

At first glance, there are over 130 songs about love on the web, with good reason. “What the World Needs Now is Love Sweet Love”…you get the message 💖

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Lynn tower's avatar

You couldn’t have said that any plainer 🫂

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Susan McCarthy's avatar

Preach! You are pretty $#@& smart for a twelve-year-old.

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JD Britnell's avatar

Wow! I sure could use a hug! Love you guys!!

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