~2 minute read.
I am honoured to share this story, written by a dear friend, with you.
In his own words …
Courage is being advised in September 2019 that you have Stage 4 ovarian cancer and never giving up.
Fighting it with chemotherapy, surgery, more chemo, diet, exercise, meditation, yoga, alternative therapies.
Reducing the tumour down to the extent that the medical team say it’s gone … for now in 2021.
Then when they tell you it’s back in 2022, fighting, fighting, fighting and controlling everything you can to get another day on this planet.
Courage is finding the strength to make it to your son’s graduation in May 2023 with pride while hiding the evident pain it took to be there.
Then two months later, finding the courage to tell your children that you have fought as much as you can and that you’ve been told there is nothing more you can do.
Summoning the courage to tell your husband and children in your final days that you want them to live their life, to look out for each other and not to wallow. Wow!!
Selfless, courageous, strong and humble are the words that I used to define Helen. Gone in this life in July 2023 but not forgotten.
“Courage is … never giving up … fighting … finding the strength … tell(ing) your husband and children that you want them to live their life …”
Despite knowing that Helen had ovarian cancer, the final days were a blur and her passing a shock.
We had to find the courage to organise the funeral and celebration of life service.
We found the strength and courage to support each other and did what had to be done.
I’m not sure if it was courage, denial, or a desire to commemorate Helen’s life and on the day of the funeral, I delivered the eulogy and presented slides to celebrate and honour Helen’s life.
I didn’t know if I was going to get through it and I did.
I wanted everyone to know what a wonderful person Helen was and will always be.
I’m still trying to find the courage to do what Helen wanted – life my life, not wallow and support our boys. This is what drives me.
In terms of a courage score, I give myself a ‘pass’ for now, just.
I must disagree with my friend’s self courage score being a “pass.” This story is one of tremendous courage – the courage to love; the courage demonstrated in every moment experienced and shared with his wife and boys; the courage to honour and celebrate Helen; the courage demonstrated in writing this story and in sharing it.
My friend has generously and courageously offered to discuss his story further. If you would like to do so, please let me know and I will introduce you.
Thank you for sharing your story. Thank you for being my friend.
@CourageChick
We know we are inspired to courage on witnessing or reading the courageous stories of others. The author of this story was inspired to write after he read Eliana Saad’s story of courage which can be found here. If you would like to share your story, please be in touch.
Leading with courage 