Inspirational Stories

Cancer ― the “C” word ― has a way of reshaping one’s perspective in profound and unexpected ways. For me, my cancer was leukemia. At first, it was catastrophic as I learned how to accept this new reality. It was unfamiliar territory and didn’t come with instructions. I began chemo with clear uncertainty of what would come of it. But now, looking back, that experience wasn’t what you might think.

As every day passed, I became more in tune with how I spent my time. That had particular relevance now because, for the first time, I became vividly aware my time came with an expiration tag. It’s quite amazing just how that impacts what matters and how it radically changes priorities. Work became far less significant. Spending time doing whatever with my wife, kids, and grandkids shot to the top. In fact, there was no distant second. Doing things that might leave fond memories resonated like never before. What sort of legacy I might leave grew in value, and everything began taking on a whole new hue. Money no longer was the measure of success ― the happiness of my family was.

I wasn’t at all prepared for the impact of such a transition. I had spent my life doing what most do while working at building a career. Now, my days were spent seeing every moment, living them, really living them with an awareness that I never had before.

I have been blessed with this new reality for five years now. No, I don’t know what the future holds or how long I will be a part of it. But what I do know, now, changed my life ― for the better.

No, I wouldn’t wish cancer on anyone. But should it find its way to you, or not, please know this. Memories are the fuel for you, your loved ones, and everyone’s tomorrow. Make them. Now. Not for the sake of urgency or time but because when you really take a moment and evaluate your life, it’s the memories that will always rise to the top.