Live in the light
*The feelings expressed below are those of an individual – Lara MacGregor. Hope Scarves is not a political organization and does not have an affiliation to a political party. These words are not intended to represent the organization as a whole.*
9 years ago today our world changed forever when I heard the words, “Lara, you have breast cancer.”
I was at a salon with 2 year old Wills on my pregnant lap – getting his blond curls trimmed. As tears streamed down my face he placed a pudgy hand on my cheek and asked, “mama, you have a booboo?”
This moment changed our life forever. The past nine years have thankfully been filled with more joy than sadness. More laughter than tears. When cancer returned to our life 3 years ago I thought our life as we knew it was over… after months of darkness I made a choice. I choose love over sadness. Hope over fear. Light over darkness.
It doesn’t change the fact that I have cancer. But, day in and day out I choose to live my life with hope.
I am always emotional on November 9th. But, I thought today would be a celebration of our future and hope over fear in more ways than one.
Instead I sit in disbelief that our country elected a narcissistic reality tv star as our president. A man who degrades women, mocks disabled people, deplores differences, encourages anger, stokes fear and divides people. This is who we as a country believe will best lead our country… this is who “reflects us” as a nation… I am numb with disbelief and fear. I have become comfortable with respecting elected officials with different political views than my own… Hello, I have lived in Alabama and Kentucky for the past 13 years. I have really great republican friends! We have different politcal views. However, I never question their fundamental character.
I have never had to explain to my children that the way the president talks is not an acceptable way to speak to another person. I have never brought politics into this blog… but I feel so moved today that I had to. This election isn’t about politics for me so much as it is about respect, honor, responsibility and compassion. And, my deepest hope is that our country will find a way to unify and move forward in a way that celebrates all that is great about America.
As I process the impact this will have on our world I am drawing on the same lessons I’ve learned these past 9 years facing cancer:
- Turn inward rather than lash outward. Find peace.
- Turn heartbreak into something positive
- Love, respect, be kind
- Focus on connections and relationships – be good to each other
- Live in the light, not the darkness
But, first I cry. I always cry on November 9th. Then, I find someone to hug and laugh with.
with love and hope, always.
Lara
Well said💞You are truly an inspiration to me, I follow your posts like clockwork and have learned so much about cancer through your eyes. Thank you for fighting the battle and winning…..
Thank you for your encouragement. This blog is my therapy- how I process what is happening in my life. And a journal for our kids. Knowing it means something to other makes it even more meaningful. Thanks for your comment! Lara
As I struggle along this journey there are occasional moments of clarity. This is one. I remember you talking about the things that cancer strips away. Now I feel the power of a scarf and a story of Hope that helps restore that sense of true self and dignity. Who could teach us men more about this that the women living over Stage Four cancer? I love you.
Dad
You and mom taught me love & compassion. Together we teach each other about hope!
Thank you for your voice. We have a lot of work to do, don’t we? I also think there are a lot of parallels between this election result and being diagnosed with cancer. I don’t have many more words than that yet, but I am reflecting and hoping to find them soon. XOXO
Our words bring us strength. Our stories connect us. love to you!
Lara