What is Strength

What is Strength?

What is strength?

My husband has cancer. Life is hard.

People call me strong. I don’t feel strong.

I feel empty.

But conversations with friends and shared stories begin to fill the void.

I lack words.

But then I sit next to him quietly. Together, in silence, we can recharge.

I feel helpless.

But we can rely on the wisdom of the doctors to know how to proceed.

I see darkness ahead.

But then we spend precious time together, and I begin to embrace hope.

I feel torn.

But then I take a breath and do the best I can for all those who need me at this moment.

I grieve loss.

But then I remember that the present is here. We can make the most of now.

I feel frustration.

But then I accept people for who they are and the limitations of their emotions.

I accept truth.

And live with faith in gratitude for the blessings we have had.

I feel empathy.

And share with others going through similar pain.

I give myself.

And approach each day of this journey as one I will not regret.

I feel joy.

And know that our love will not end but morph into an everlasting bond.

I stay here.

And hold his hand and his heart. And am glad that he “can’t do this without me.”

What is strength?

I am not sure. And please stop telling me I have it. But I will keep aiming high.