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Once a Survivor, Forever a Fighter

December 21, 2011
By Shmelmo GOLD, Elma, Iowa
More by this author
Shmelmo GOLD, Elma, Iowa
16 articles 9 photos 143 comments

Favorite Quote:
You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.

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My Grandma was once a survivor.
She was determined; knew what she was fighting for.
But cancer has more plans now. It has struck once again.
They say it’s worse, and this time, she cannot win.
After radiation fails, she returns back home.
Cancer definitely taken its toll, and it just doesn’t seem fair.
She looks so fragile, as if my slightest touch could shatter her
Every
Aching
Bone
I gently kiss her bald head, and as if sound would hurt, I whisper,
“Hey Grandma. I love you.”
She seems confused. Rather fazed.
I carry on my own conversation about my days.
She sits and she listens. She is so quiet, so weak.
Then she looks up at me and smiles, ever so slightly.
A tear runs down my cheek, and I touch her hand lightly.
Everyday, she slowly starts to fade away.
But still, I pray for her every single day.

The author's comments:
A few years ago my Grandma was diagnosed with Breast cancer. She took Chemo and radiation and survived. This summer, she became sick again. After a false diagnosis and many months of being sick, the doctors found the cancer. Unfortunately, it was too late. It has spread throughout her entire body, eating her up little by little. She has decided not to go through with Chemo now, as it will only extend her life by a few weeks. Doctors give her a few months, nothing more. I wrote this poem for you Grandma. I love you...be strong! :')
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JOIN THE DISCUSSION

This article has 56 comments.

LunaLives GOLD said...
on Sep. 3 2012 at 11:48 am
LunaLives GOLD, South Bend, Indiana
17 articles 0 photos 237 comments

Favorite Quote:
Because I can!-Me &quot;Life is a choice and death is a decision&quot;-Lil Wayne

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You must be an Angel. I almost cried reading this. Great work!
Shmelmo GOLD said...
on Jun. 12 2012 at 1:52 pm
Shmelmo GOLD, Elma, Iowa
16 articles 9 photos 143 comments

Favorite Quote:
You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.

View profile
God took his angel on June 3, 2012. She is no longer suffering here on earth, but rather living happily among her loved ones. <3
Shmelmo GOLD said...
on Apr. 19 2012 at 9:15 pm
Shmelmo GOLD, Elma, Iowa
16 articles 9 photos 143 comments

Favorite Quote:
You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.

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TO WHOMEVER IT MAY CONCERN: My grandma celebrated her 74th birthday today. Everyone says that she is a miracle. There is no way that anyone expected her to live this long. She is living on pure willpower, strength, and the grace of God. Happy Birthday, Grandma! :)
_ella_herondale BRONZE said...
on Apr. 6 2012 at 12:09 pm
_ella_herondale BRONZE, San Diego, California
4 articles 2 photos 222 comments

Favorite Quote:
&quot;...If the Thames that ran beside them...recalled a night where the moon shone as brightly as a shilling on the same boy and girl... and thought to themselves, &#039;at last, the wheel comes full circle,&#039; they kept their silence.&quot;

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This is beautiful. I cried, i had goosebumps, and ur description was all the more touching. I love the title, the poem, and I feel like i know u and ur grandmother. I love the whole thing. This is soo beautiful and I am a million times sorry for you. thanks for writing this.
compassion GOLD said...
on Apr. 6 2012 at 3:47 am
compassion GOLD, Nowhere, Other
12 articles 17 photos 153 comments

Favorite Quote:
Expect to have hope rekindled,expect your prayers to be answered in wondrous ways! The dry seasons in life do not last,the spring rains will come again.

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Awww thats such a heartbreaking story!you have put that very well.

that title gripped my heart.both of you stay strong.in god you wil always be together.

 

Seaheart GOLD said...
on Mar. 31 2012 at 12:48 pm
Seaheart GOLD, Chicago, Illinois
13 articles 0 photos 2 comments

Favorite Quote:
A pen is a sword that has a shield of paper and an armor of words

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Brings emotions and memories back for me <33 It's beautiful
LMA14 SILVER said...
on Mar. 27 2012 at 3:06 pm
LMA14 SILVER, Mitchell, South Dakota
5 articles 0 photos 4 comments
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I really love it :) Soo deep.
Princesspiper84 SILVER said...
on Mar. 23 2012 at 8:42 am
Princesspiper84 SILVER, Lodi, New Jersey
7 articles 0 photos 22 comments

Favorite Quote:
Motto: There&#039;s no life without death, mistakes, and missury

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sad story hope u feel better about this now im going to fight for breast cancer.  Good job keep writing
Kitty.Meow.Daly SILVER said...
on Mar. 21 2012 at 6:46 pm
Kitty.Meow.Daly SILVER, Clarksville, Tennessee
9 articles 0 photos 45 comments

Favorite Quote:
&quot;Cowards die many times before their deaths, The valiant never taste of death but once.&quot; - Spakespeare<br /> Life is pain, Highness. Anyone who tells you differently is selling something ~Wesley<br /> Dare to move~ A Walk to Remember

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This is very sad, I'm sorry you lost her, or are losing her. That can be very hard to go through, just know you are not alone. <3 There will always be friends and family supporting you
Kit-Kait BRONZE said...
on Mar. 18 2012 at 5:13 pm
Kit-Kait BRONZE, Amherst, Virginia
1 article 0 photos 54 comments
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I've known a few people that's had cancer. My great grandma was one. I can really relate to this story. It shows emotion beyond years. It shows that, no matter what happens, you will never fully go away. Keep writing. You're really good at it. You have the makes of a inspiring-if you're not one now-writer.
Swims.M.V. GOLD said...
on Feb. 24 2012 at 7:58 pm
Swims.M.V. GOLD, Albuquerque, New Mexico
11 articles 0 photos 23 comments

Favorite Quote:
&quot;If you&#039;re not practicing, somebody else is, somewhere, and he&#039;ll be ready to take your job.&quot;<br /> -Brooks Robinson

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That was a very touching poem it is crazy what we have today yet so many people have to fight for their lives against something they never put themselves up against. 
NHTKquicklook BRONZE said...
on Feb. 22 2012 at 9:33 pm
NHTKquicklook BRONZE, Evaston, Wyoming
1 article 0 photos 4 comments
View profile

great poem loved it

 

Shmelmo GOLD said...
on Feb. 14 2012 at 6:58 pm
Shmelmo GOLD, Elma, Iowa
16 articles 9 photos 143 comments

Favorite Quote:
You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.

View profile
Yes, I can :) Thanks for the comment
AngelsKiss PLATINUM said...
on Feb. 12 2012 at 3:48 pm
AngelsKiss PLATINUM, Paris, Tennessee
25 articles 0 photos 83 comments

Favorite Quote:
You have the power to live another Childhood, so open up the door leaving back your doubts.

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This poem is very touching, and can relate to so many poeple, my grandmother, also fighted this... I think that's why I like it so uch, I can really relate to this, so must keep writing like this, and please read some of my poems and comment
Plain-Jane ELITE said...
on Feb. 12 2012 at 3:24 pm
Plain-Jane ELITE, Grandview, Missouri
108 articles 2 photos 76 comments

Favorite Quote:
&quot;And the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their Shepherd. He will guide them to springs of living water; and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.&quot; Revelation 7:17

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Your grandma would be so proud of you for this poem =) i loved it.
. said...
on Feb. 9 2012 at 1:44 pm
This is was so well writen. My grandmother just passed away from Colon cancer at the beginning of this year, and i saw her a week before she died. This was exactly how it was. You descriped it perfectly. please keep up your beauitful writing!!
holyblondecheerleaderbatman BRONZE said...
on Feb. 8 2012 at 7:00 pm
holyblondecheerleaderbatman BRONZE, Wasilla, Alaska
1 article 2 photos 42 comments

Favorite Quote:
Who said I want to fit in ?

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wow this is really really really really good keep writing
Shmelmo GOLD said...
on Feb. 7 2012 at 8:31 am
Shmelmo GOLD, Elma, Iowa
16 articles 9 photos 143 comments

Favorite Quote:
You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.

View profile
So sorry to hear about your mom. I am glad you could relate to this poem. You must be an amazing, strong person. Keep your chin up!
Shmelmo GOLD said...
on Feb. 7 2012 at 8:30 am
Shmelmo GOLD, Elma, Iowa
16 articles 9 photos 143 comments

Favorite Quote:
You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.

View profile
Yep, thank you!
Shmelmo GOLD said...
on Feb. 7 2012 at 8:29 am
Shmelmo GOLD, Elma, Iowa
16 articles 9 photos 143 comments

Favorite Quote:
You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.

View profile
Sure can! Thank you for your comment.