Indomitable Spirit

I have just returned from a funeral. One more farewell scripted by the Big C – Cancer. A long illness well fought and patiently borne.

It has been my privilege to have known cancer patients, some directly, some through their writing and others through friends of friends. I use ‘privilege’ advisedly, because people who battle with cancer are very special – they know that they have an inner enemy who is part and parcel of their daily living. An enemy that sets the terms and conditions. An enemy that makes no concessions. An enemy that can be obscure and is insidious. Cancer patients face ultimatums which test them to the limit of physical, emotional and spiritual endurance. They become shadow boxers overnight, without the special benefit of training or prior experience.

A recent encounter sent me back to The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. I first came across this indomitable spirit in TIME’s 10 Questions. Intrigued by the answers he gave, I went on to read what was, literally, his last lecture – he was fully aware that due to advanced pancreatic cancer the clock was ticking and he has since passed away. His lecture is his legacy to his family and his students. A book that can be completed in a single sitting, this ‘last lecture’ is full of hope, humour and possesses an incredible energy. The Last Lecture is not about dying, it is about living.

Another article excerpted from a forthcoming book by Dame Maria Boulding, a nun and hermit, who was diagnosed with terminal cancer in her 80^th year is more spiritual, in tune with the rhythms of living and dying and the will of God: “….everyone will have to let go of his or her ideas about how the journey should work out, and accept another, far more baffling, itinerary.” Cancer is, indeed, a bend in the road, a route that is often unlit and seldom signposted. But, strangely enough, cancer can be a giving enemy too. It allows friends, family, doctors and nursing staff and even complete strangers to give of their time, their love, their encouragement and support. It brings people closer and makes bonds visible, tangible.

And there is the ‘return gift’ of courage. Because it takes courage to accept, to fight, to engage with life such as it may be, to smile through the tears, to hope against the odds. Yes, it takes tremendous courage. Courage that is the real Big C. Courage that is contagious.