April 18, 2011

cancer sucks

My dad was diagnosed with cancer a couple of weeks ago. Cancer is no stranger to my family, nor is tragedy and pain. When bad things happen I am always awed by how amazingly my family handles the situation with hope and faith, especially my father. I remember coming into the bedroom after my sister died and we all hugged around her bed as my dad sort of "lead" our emotions. We grieved together but we also felt hope that we would see my sister again. He really is such the rock of our family and I admire that so much about him. He has an almost superhuman ability to be vigilant and dedicated to anything he sets his mind to. Seriously, I've never met anyone like him.
my parents as Mary Poppins and Bert - 1966
When he found out he has cancer he set out a "course of action" and e-mailed it to my family. Always diligent, always faithful, always moving onward. He said, "From the beginning I have believed that my best course of action would be: 1) Exercise my own faith to be healed. 2) Seek for and rely on the faith of others to be healed. 3) Seek for a Priesthood blessing to be healed. 4) Seek the best traditional treatment I can find. 5) Explore alternative medical treatments as needed."

I smiled as I read his e-mail because this signifies my father and his ability to look forward in faith. I realize some of you don't share my beliefs but, whatever yours are, I hope you can see that mine make me happy, bring me hope and drive me to be the best I can. I hope yours do too.

21 comments:

  1. That picture of your parents is fantastic! I have always admired your family so much. I served my mission with Christian, and we all thought he was the greatest. I was diagosed with cancer 3.5 years ago. It was awful time, and wonderful at the same time. I know that we have a loving Father in Heaven who blesses and looks after us. I shouldn't be here. My life was spared. My faith grew so much during that time. I realized how aware Heavenly Father was of me. I was amazed at the peace that I felt after every blessing, and every family fast. I will keep your father in my prayers. You have such a strong amazing family. You inspire so many with your faith, and example. xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  2. Our family is going through something similar right now. We lost my stepmom unexpectedly a few months back and my mother-in-law is battling cancer as well. We might not share exactly the same beliefs (they are not that far off though), but we too are finding hope and comfort in our faith, in God.

    I will keep your father and family in our prayers. God bless you!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Your Dad has the right attitude!

    ReplyDelete
  4. love thatr picture of your parents! That is priceless! We will be keeping you and your family in our prayers! big hugs!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I'm so sorry...you guys are in my prayers!

    ReplyDelete
  6. My mom was diagnosed with cancer last week and my dad just recovered from a nasty battle with cancer a few months ago.

    My parents sent out an email with their course of action too, and I think there is a comfort when parents show the way forward.

    I am so sorry for all that you are about to go through. My heart is so sad for you, but thank goodness for the miracle of medicine.

    ReplyDelete
  7. That picture is adorable! I can totally see where you get your good looks :) How wonderful that your dad is such a great example of faith! I'll be praying for him too!! HUGS!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Sending lots of hugs and prayers to you all Lizzy x

    ReplyDelete
  9. We are and will be praying for you and your parents! We love you!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I love your family and I love your parents and I am sad that you have to go through the hardship of cancer. I love your dad's course of action and the hope it gives the reader. Thank you for sharing and give your parents a big hug from me...

    ReplyDelete
  11. My prayers are with your father & your family!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I absolutely agree with you CANCER SUCKS.
    Unfortunately, I have also experienced it in my family. My sister was diagnosed with a brain tumor at age 14 (I was 7). Fortunately the surgery went perfectly well and she is now perfect after 16 years.
    My mom was diagnosed almost two summers ago with esophageal cancer. At the moment of diagnose, her cancer had already spread to other organs. Someway miraculously, after doing chemo, she is almost back to normal life and all CT are clean. Lets hope, that this remains the same for as long as possible.
    All my love for all your family and specially your dad!

    ReplyDelete
  13. I don't know which makes me smile more, the picture of your parents (love it), or your father's email of faith. Reminds me of my Dad. Prayers for your father, and your family as you encourage and lift him up.

    ReplyDelete
  14. You have truly do have an amazing & powerful family. It is fantastic to witness it...even if only from afar. Thank you for sharing and best wishes for your dad.

    ReplyDelete
  15. What a great picture.

    I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. Cancer SUCKS. I hope and pray that your family can make it through this safe and sound and stronger than before.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Sorry to hear about your dad - you're right, cancer does suck. *hugs*

    ReplyDelete
  17. Just read this post. I'm so sorry to hear about your dad! Knowing what you must be going through, please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Love you, Liz! I know everything will work out just as it should. That's the power of faith. I'm here for you if you need me :)

    ReplyDelete
  18. May your Dad be blessed with a rapid and complete recovery. Thanks for sharing your faith and love of womanhood.

    ReplyDelete
  19. One of the great perks of visiting my parents is going to church with them. I love to go to Sunday School and hear his calm, easy, voice, teaching the gospel. At the best to him. Sounds like he is headed in the right direction.

    LOVE THAT PICTURE!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Your family is so rock solid. I'm going to be adding your dad to my prayers. Although I don't know him or any of you personally I've grown to admire the Nielson family through Nie's blog. Best wishes for recovery!

    ReplyDelete

Comments are moderated to eliminate spammers and internet bullies.