Living with Stage Four - An Important Perspective

"Of all the liars in the world, sometimes the worst are our own fears." - Rudyard Kipling

Two weeks after my cancer diagnosis, I was talking to a friend about my problems -- a credit card machine was down, my telephone service had been interrupted, my truck broke down -- and, of course, my diagnosis.

I'm sure if I had a dog, it would have died, too. It seemed that everything was going wrong.

But then, as I talked about my problems, I suddenly realized something. I've seen the Tunnel to Towers program where first responders and veterans have lost multiple limbs -- arms and legs, or some were badly disfigured from burns on their faces and bodies.

I thought about what I had seen on trips to Central America, the Middle East and China -- the mass poverty -- not to mention the victims here and around the world whose lives have been shattered by fires, earthquakes and hurricanes.

I said, "You know what? I've got a great life here. I'm doing what I love to do and I'm earning a living at it. I'm not in any pain or discomfort. I don't need to endure chemo because doctors are prescribing a pill instead."

This different perspective brought me to a new and positive mindset.

Our conversation ended and my friend left. I went back to work in my office, checking emails, when my computer suddenly crashed.

I pounded my fist on the desk and said, "One more thing!"

Then I remembered that this is the little stuff. My life is good.

--by John Morrow