A little over a year ago, I wrote a post called “Tuesday Tribute. Dad.” In that post I introduced you to my father, who died of cancer when I was just 2 1/2 years old.
As horrible as the disease is, I have been able to find the “silver lining” of cancer. Although cancer took my first father, it also, in a sense, brought me my dad. I could never say that I am grateful for cancer, but I AM truly grateful for the opportunity I have had to be raised by this great man:
…who now has cancer, too.
It has been quite a blow to the family. But I have not lost hope. In fact, as sad as I am about the testing and the surgeries and the treatment that he will have to go through over the next while, I am hopeful. I believe that he (WE!) can beat this.
Isn’t it appropriate that this month’s Fishful Thinking focus (for me, at least) is Goal Setting and HOPE?
The article, Making Hope Happen, mentions a few things, particularly in the context of teaching children, but just as relevant for big kids like me. It has been really helpful for me to be able to concentrate on HOPE as I have processed this new news about my dad. Here are a few concepts from the article:
Why is Hope Important?
Whether your child (or the parent!) is experiencing good times or bad times, hope can help. During a good day, hope helps him persist on important tasks, create challenging goals and build new resources. On tough days, hope helps a child overcome major obstacles.
What Does a “High Hoper” Look Like?
A high-hope child has the motivation to make things happen. She is energetic in the moment and excited about the future. Hopeful children are filled with the determination to succeed, thereby actively engaging in life and all its possibilities.
Teaching Hope
When helping your child become more hopeful, keep in mind that you are teaching a set of skills that build on what children do naturally: thinking about the future. With a little help, children can learn how to describe important goals in terms that are clear and specific and add something to their lives.
Just as important to me, and very closely related to hope, is the concept of FAITH. My faith is a huge part of my life, and a driving and sustaining force for my family. I don’t know where we’d be without it.
How do YOU make HOPE HAPPEN?
© 2010, Food Fun Family. All rights reserved.
Cancer is so evil! Hope for me is the most positive of energy that I am sending your way:-)
I’m so sorry to hear this and you’ll be in my thoughts hon.
.-= Gilliauna´s last blog ..$20.00 Store Credit Giveaway =-.
I’m so sorry, Lolli.
Hope, for me, is never looking back. Taking one more step and not thinking about the bad stuff that could happen.
I’m sorry to hear about the news. Never give up, stay strong and keep your spirits high. We did with my mom. I will keep him in my thoughts and prayers.
.-= Nichol´s last blog ..Happy 50th Birthday Mom! =-.
Great post. I hope things work out well. I will remember him and you in our prayers. I have been a lousy blogger this week sorry I haven’t been around. Oh well next week should be better (I hope anyway)
.-= Brandie´s last blog ..Thank You Very Much! =-.
What a touching post. I am sorry to hear the bad news.
Here is how I make hope happen: you can’t lose if you never give up.
Thanks for stopping by my blog.
I am hopeful about Dad too, I’m scared for him and what he has to go through, but I know this will not beat him!
.-= Andrea´s last blog ..Morgan – 7 Month Old Baby =-.