Cancer Free at Last

Free at last, Free at Last, Thank God almighty we are free at last.”—Martin Luther King Jr.

After two and a half years since diagnosed with Stage 2 colorectal cancer, I’m cancer free. I don’t mean that I don’t have any cancer in my body, because we all have cancerous cells in our bodies. I mean cancer has set me free.

Cancer showed me how to embrace and bless everything that life has to offer. This freedom to love all that arises has made all the difference. Nowadays, when I hear myself saying, “God Dammit!” I immediately stop and say, “God Bless It!” because I know that everything is a blessing.

Pierre Pradervand, author of The Gentle Art of Blessing, said it best:

“When something goes completely askew in your day, some unexpected event knocks down your plans and you too also, burst into blessing: for life is teaching you a lesson, and the very event you believe to be unwanted, you yourself called forth, so as to learn the lesson you might balk against were you not to bless it. Trials are blessings in disguise, and hosts of angels follow in their path.”

I see now that I “called forth” cancer to teach me deep lessons. Cancer revealed to me the “hosts of angels” both visible and invisible that are available at any moment. From my Hawaiian Grandfather, who died of lung cancer over 20 years ago, to members of my meditation circle and men’s group to my two Shi Tzu dogs lying on the couch as I type, the world is full of angels to guide us, help us, and love us through thick and thin.

It is so amazing to be back—as a father, a blogger, a human being. I have so much to share with you. Stay tuned.

 

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