This past month reminds me how difficult life is. Challenges come in all shapes and forms but for those of us impacted by cancer, difficulties come through pain and sacrifice. I spoke to multiple families with children currently in cancer treatment. When I hear of their daily routines while balancing work, the other children, and the needs of their child patient, I honestly don’t know how it is possible with only 24 hours in a day to carry every necessary responsibility.

Then I heard from a friend who has been fighting cancer progression for a long time. Even though the cancer is now growing at a faster pace than his body can handle, he still speaks with hope. He has little space left to hope in this life, but he hopes for things greater than this life, and his faith swells on the waves of his pain. Then there are two co-survivors who are caring for their wives as the women struggle in pain day after day.

There are so many stories, and the stories are people. 

When I think of the pain we endure and the sacrifices we make for friends and family, I am immediately overwhelmed by the amount of love present in each and every story. Moms in chemo still make dinner, go to softball games and take their kids to the park. Grown daughters step away from work and friends to sit beside a beloved mother through every minute of treatment. These stories are choices that each of us makes in the difficult moments of life. They are easily overlooked because they never draw attention to themselves, yet they are some of the most resilient acts of selflessness that could be witnessed.

This is the true essence of our community of cancer patients, survivors, and co-survivors. A community that deserves to be acknowledged and celebrated. A community fueled by the enduring gift of love.

This month, cancer has painfully reminded me of just how strong love can be. The love I witness is stronger, more resilient, and more impactful than the pain. In fact, the harder the circumstances, the more people seem to show up. Then when hope cannot be found, the circle of friends and family draws closer until they are at your side with nothing more to offer than their most precious gift, love.

The difficulties in life can trigger fear, anger, worry, and frustration.

This month when life gets hard, I challenge you to choose a different perspective. When difficulties arise, turn to friends and family, share your heart, and create an opportunity to experience love. It doesn’t always show up as you expect, and it is not easy to ask for, but this quiet force is present and will never fail.