Tami

As I stand alone now
My back against a tree
Sagging are its branches
As the wind whispers to me.
My thoughts are all a jumble
And soon, slowly, my tears start to tumble
As I look pleadingly toward the sky
And softly, oh so softly, I cry -
When will I be normal?
When will I be free?
Of all the pressures life has given me?

The preceding was a poem that I wrote during treatment and reflected my feelings at the time. Since then, however, my feelings have changed. I now look to the positive, and have the faith and hope that I can overcome the negative. While I didn't (and never would) choose cancer, I am now grateful for what it has given me. It is my core, by badge of courage. Whenever I feel like giving up or that things are hopeless, I know I can dig down deep inside myself and draw on the strength that resides there - strength gained during my battle with cancer. And in this place the voices cry out, "you can do it - you're a survivor!" I now look at life differently - I simply want to soak it all up, the good and the bad until I'm so full that when I look in the mirror I see the life sparkling and tumbling out of my eyes.

Ewings Sarcoma/Osteo Sarcoma
Diagnosed at 10 and 15
Now 27

Reprinted with permission from the book "Kids with Courage."
"Kids with Courage" may be obtained by calling Wisconsin Clearinghouse at 800-322-1468.

No part of "Kids with Courage" may be reproduced in any way or by any means without permission in writing form from:
University of Wisconsin Comprehensive Cancer Center
K4/666 Clinical Science Center
600 Highland Avenue
Madison, WI 53792