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Race Memories - Survivors Poem
Race Memories
I am a Survivor
Written by Darlene Smith
2006 Komen Race for the Cure - Survivor Chair
I am a Survivor
I am on a road that I never expected to travel,
But I am not traveling alone.
My family, my friends, my community and my God
Their love their comfort and OH the compassion they have shown.
I am a Survivor
The thoughts that went through my mind,
What will I look like? Will I live?
My husband, my children
I have so much left to give.
I am a Survivor
This thing called cancer entered my life uninvited,
Unexpected, unwelcome, unforgiving.
Forever to change my body
Never to touch my soul.
I am a Survivor
To others I look like I am tough outside,
But In the middle of the night
My heart has broken,
And in the darkness…. alone I have cried.
I am a Survivor
This thing called cancer tried to wreck my spirit,
But cancer had met its match.
It takes more than pain and heartache to stop this girl.
I am tough - but I have had enough.
I am a Survivor
I have met wonderful men and women along my journey.
Some have completed their race,
I will never forget their courage
Until once again I can see their face.
I am a Survivor
As Webster’s says, I will continue
To function or prosper despite…
Despite my circumstances, despite my pain.
I will withstand whatever comes my way… so that others might.
I am a Survivor
I have choices to make.
I can quit, I can stop……… or I can survive.
I have choices to make
I can hide, I can falter ……or I can thrive.
I am a Survivor
Some others may not quite understand.
Oh, but ……..other Survivors
They get me- they know my thoughts,
These Sisters they get my plan!
I am a Survivor
Life during and after cancer is hard.
My life can change in one Doctor’s visit, with one phone call.
The unknown future, uncertain health.
I learn to enjoy each moment --- no matter how small.
I am a Survivor
When it is all said and done,
If I have encouraged another, if I have lightened a load,
If I have loved hard, and laughed loud,
I won’t just have survived, I will have lived life well, …….I will have won!