The flame that burns – a message of hope

Madam – The Flame that burns.

I was always the one walking the road with many different cancer patients, my mom being one of them.

There was always something so amazing about her and the people who crossed my path; I saw a flame of hope and warmth burning within them in the most difficult time of their lives.

Many times I would walk into Hopelands with my mom or to visit a patient in the hospital and I would find their faces embraced with a gentle smile that always met you when you came by.

It was there, right there that I noticed that flame of hope that burned within them, giving them that grace for each step of the way.

Yesterday I found myself on the other side of the coin, after the doctor discovered a lump in my right breast; I stood in front of a whole new door. Did I cry? Of course I did, but as the day came to a close in the distance deep within my heart I saw that small flame starting to burn. Was this it?

Was this the beauty of God-given hope that starts to burn within the most difficult moments of the night that seems to fill one with that calm quiet strength helping to take the next step? It warmed my heart and for a moment, hope started to rise; this isn’t the end, but just the beginning of a journey of hope rising within.

So, day two there I was waiting for the mammogram and sonar.

I had my superwoman glasses on and I was ready, daring to step there for whatever the results would be. For some reason I wasn’t afraid. Again that small flame burning within was God’s grace meeting my every step, being there every moment of the way.

The blood tests where done, tick, the mammogram was done, tick, the sonar was done, tick. Now we are just waiting for final results when the blood tests will be ready. Why do I share these moments with you? Maybe, just maybe because for once, I’m looking at the other side of the coin, realising in depth the journey each woman faced with breast cancer has to walk.

Seeing that flame that burns within them come to life, that gentle strength, that step of hope, that smile of courage that crosses their face when your smile meets theirs along the way.

To all the women who fought the battle and who are still fighting the good fight, I have the utmost respect for you. Today I salute you brave women of much courage. Today I celebrate who you are. Thank you for sharing that flame of hope that burns deep within your heart. You are an amazing WOMAN!

Hope Rising