Suzanne Somers is a well known actress and also a well known cancer survivor. Her book, “Knockout: Interviews with Doctors Who are Curing Cancer and How to Prevent Getting it in the First Place” has made a very positive impression on many people, including many doctors who have strongly objected to her writings. I want to share with you a quote from the book, a quote that I believe captures a very simple, yet significant understanding gained from a hospital bed of what life is meant to be about:

“My family around me, Barry calling, Alan never leaving my side, my sister, like Bruce, telling me she can’t live in a world without me. And it hits me. Like a loudspeaker is in my head, I hear it; but they can’t. It is only for me to hear. It was an epiphany. In the face of seeing my death, while in the space of this valley of fear, the words ring through my head: It’s not who you are, it’s not what you have, it’s not where you live, it’s not what you do, it’s only, only about who you love and who loves you. And the more you love, the better! A moment of deep and utter clarity. And I know that no matter what happens I will never be the same. I feel only gratitude that I have such deep and profound love in my life”.

Words and wisdom for us all to hear and listen to as we travel along our own road of cancer.

Joel T. Nowak, M.A., M.S.W.