Billy Joel’s playing on the Ipod. The Rockies, in the nation’s capitol, against the Nationals are finally leading a game. Your grateful scribe’s hunkered down in the man cave firing off an email. The electronic message talks of an outstanding young man who desires to work in the sports world on the business side.
Victory has many connections in that arena and I was reaching out to one. A fine gentleman and good guy at the University of Colorado. The email ended with, “This kid’s a chip off the block of one of the most amazing women I’ve ever met.”
Daily, on a sports talk radio show, co-host Eric Goodman and I constantly yak about athletes and coaches who display, “Incredible guts and courage.” For what? Making a good shot? Stepping away from the game when its time? Whatever? We exalt them for putting fear aside and allowing wonderment to win. Along with criticism, we praise.
Lebron James is darn good, no question. Same for all the other sports’ superstars discussed with each other and callers to the show. But, when it comes to having someone on my team I know will endure through the tough times? Make the big play under pressure? My lottery pick is Marla Jane Swanson.
Yep. She went to Mizzou. So did I. Love the place. The University of Missouri graduate also earned a teaching degree from the University of Denver. Smart. Beautiful. Strong. Unwavering in faith. She’s been fighting tongue cancer for the past few years. It’s been a war. Marla won it.
When first learning of the cancer, the mother of two incredible kids - daughter just as awesome as mentioned son - was told by doctors, “You’re best chance of whipping this is to surgically remove a chunk of your tongue.” The founder of the WilLiv Organization, it helps single moms with their challenges when dad walks out, countered with, “Can I think about that? Pray about that? Call you in the morning?”
The licensed practitioner of Religious Science took a different path. No surgery. Instead, wonderful care from oncologists in Denver and Houston, spiritual healers around the globe and a faith-based community originating in her local church and spreading far beyond. Marla says, “I have people, literally, all over the world praying for me.”
The multi-faceted cancer-fighting formula worked. Recently, friends, family, care providers and others gathered to salute the darling woman’s health prognosis: She’s cancer free.
The road ahead still has many obstacles. The cancer’s gone but the rebuilding will take time. A war against cancer, featuring gene-targeted therapies, low dose chemotherapy and faith has been won. However, there are battle scars. Healing will take time, patience and further resolve. If fighting cancer wasn’t enough, she suffered a broken hip recently. Lots of chemotherapy and radiation make bones brittle and vulnerable.
Through all the physical and financial - lost her home financing the fight - turmoil raging, one thing never wavered. Her faith in surviving.
I first met this dynamo many years ago and have always been impressed with her spirit. She’s tough to rattle. Love, respect and hope ooze from Marla’s pores. One of my favorite moments recently was, while dressed in nothing but a cowboy hat, boots and Speedo, escorting Marla on a walk around Lakewood’s Belmar area. Many other great folks joined us that evening for an event hosted by Wystone’s Teas. We raised some money to offset Marla’s considerable medical expenses and, we certainly hope, Marla and the kids’ spirits.
Knowing others are rooting for you is rarely a bad thing, right?
Anyway, back to Marla. As we warmly embraced the other night, my mind wandered to, why? What is it about some folks who seem to endure, persevere, hang tough or whatever else you want to call it? Those folks who, despite great adversity, turn lemons into margaritas?
Wow, possessing the answer to that question and then packing, distributing and selling it might allow one to give Bill Gates a run for his money. What was it about Marla Swanson that powered turn back cancer’s aggressive march? Smart doctors and effective care for sure. Good fortune too. But I don’t think you can dismiss Marla’s spirit.
Every time we talked and prayed during this rough stretch, the former parole officer with a nickname of “Hard Rock,” would proclaim resolutely, “I’m gonna whip this.”
Let it be a lesson for each of us. When the future prognosis is dire, what are we going to do? When the doctor says cancer, the spouse says divorce, the boss says adios or someone, or something, throws a monkey wrench into our best laid plans, what’s our reaction? Student or victim? Learn, or suffer, from the experience? It’s our choice. Choose wisely, K? Try like heck for the former.
Strategies for dealing with adversity will vary but, most of the time, one thing must be present: A belief we’ll survive, live for another day and, eventually, thrive despite the battlefield scars - physical, emotional or financial.
Faith in self. Faith in a higher power. Faith in something. If ever summoned to a court of law to present proof of faith playing a major role, attorneys should call Marla, looking resplendent the other night by the way, as first witness.
In a quiet moment among the jovial and adoring throng gathered in an apartment complex clubhouse, I asked, “How did you do this?” A beautiful soul softly offered, “My faith in God. My divine love for my precious children. Prayer. My church and extended family.” Amen sister.
This week, let’s take on the challenges of our lives in a way that, if a second witness was needed, we’d get the call. Be like marvelous Marla. Never waver in believing you can conquer whatever ails - home, work and elsewhere.
No guarantees of course, but it sure seems emulating Marla’s spirit gives us a fighting chance at victory and fun celebration parties.
No comments:
Post a Comment