November 26, 2023
Here is another in a series of monthly blogs dedicated to my wife Cynthia, whose life and spirit touched many of us, in so many different ways!
STANDING UP
As infants, we first learn to crawl.
Then we learn to stand.
Beginning with the encouragement and supportive arms of a parent.
Then on our own.
Standing up…on our own two feet!
It’s a skill we need for life.
To stand up on our own and move out into the world independently.
Then to 'stand up to’ and face the multitude of challenges life inevitably brings our way.
Also, standing with and alongside others who need our advocacy and support.
Cynthia was a ‘stand up” woman.
She stood up and she stood out.
For the countless ways she supported and stood by family and friends.
‘When the going got tough’, you could count on her to be right there alongside you!
And she stood up for herself…for her own beliefs, values, and convictions…no matter the subject, the person, or the issue.
Who was the best James Bond ever?
Daniel Craig.
Period.
But most of all, she stood up to aggressive colon cancer.
Face to face...with courage, an incredibly strong spirit, and remarkable integrity.
It will always be one of her lasting gifts to me, as I tried my best to stand by her side through her illness.
I was recently reminded of this during a nationally-televised World Series baseball game.
At one point, the game came to a halt and Master Card aired their "Stand Up To Cancer” campaign.
The entire stadium became silent for a few minutes.
Every person...player, coach, referee, announcer, spectator, stood up and held a sign in front of them.
That sign had the name of a person they were each remembering and honouring.
Someone who currently or in the past had bravely faced their own personal battle with cancer.
That silent symbol of solidarity was moving and inspiring beyond measure!
Standing up.
Standing with.
Standing for.
It’s a gift and a virtue to live out and to share with others.
So, over to you…
How are you ’standing’ these days?
Who or what are you standing for and with?
How is that inspiring you to live your life in a connected and supportive way with others?
