"Did you ever know that you're my hero?
You're everything I wish I could be.
I can fly higher than an eagle.
For you are the wind beneath my wings."
From Beaches, by the Infamous Bette Midler
Cancer is not an easy load to bear - not only for the person who has it, but for the rest of the family. Ironically, both our fathers are the victims of this tragic disease.
We lost Dad Tidd in September of 2004 after a 13-year battle with bladder cancer.
Dad Scott suffers the results of prostate cancer.
Both men have shown extreme strength and courage in their long battle, and words cannot express the love and admiration we feel for them.
Standing fast beside them in these battles are our mothers. Their love and support stand undaunted through the many tests, scopes, operations, treatments, etc. As before, there are no words to describe our love and admiration.
This page is for them . . . our heros. They have been together for years, through thick and thin, for better or worse, richer or poorer, in sickness and in health. Through all the years . . . through all the tears . . . through all the laughter . . . they have shown and taught us what love and marriage is all about. It has not gone unnoticed . . . it is all here in our hearts . . .
We love you Mom & Dad!
For Dad . . .
When the good Lord was creating Fathers, he started with a tall frame.
And a female angel nearby said, "What kind of Father is that? If you're going to make children so close to the ground, why have you put Fathers up so high? He won't be able to shoot marbles without kneeling, tuck a child in bed without bending, or even kiss a child without a lot of stooping.
And God smiled and said, "Yes, but if I make him childsize, who would children have to look up to?"
And when God made a Father's hands, they were large and sinewy.
And the angel shook her head sadly and said, "Do you know what you're doing? Large hands are clumsy. They can't manage diaper pins, small buttons, rubber bands on pony tails, or even remove splinters caused by baseball bats."
And God smiled and said, "I know, but they're large enough to hold everything a small boy empties from his pockets at the end of a day . . . yet small enough to cup a child's face in his hands."
And then God molded long, slim legs and broad shoulders.
And the angel nearly had a heart attack. "Boy, this is the end of the week, all right," she clucked. "Do you realize you just made a Father without a lap? How is he going to pull a child close to him without the kid falling between his legs?"
And God smiled and said, "A Mother needs a lap. A Father needs strong shoulders to pull a sled, balance a boy on a bicycle, or hold a sleepy head on the way home from the circus."
God was in the middle of creating two of the largest feet anyone had ever seen when the angel could contain herself no longer. "That's not fair. Do you honestly think those large boats are going to dig out of bed early in the morning when the baby cries? Or walk through a small birthday party without crushing at least three of the guests?"
And God smiled and said, "They'll work. You'll see. They'll support a small child who wants to 'ride a horse to Banbury Cross', or scare off mice at the summer cabin, or display shoes that will be a challenge to fill."
God worked throughout the night, giving the Father few words, but a firm, authoritative voice; eyes that saw everything but remained calm and tolerant.
Finally, almost as an afterthought, he added - tears. Then he turned to the angel and said, "Now, are you satisfied that he can love as much as a Mother?"
The angel shuteth up.
As I grew older,
I remember how you encouraged me
because you knew what I was doing even when I didn't."
"I remember times you comforted me
over a disappointment, or a sadness,
and how happy you would be for me when things were going well."
"I remember how you listened patiently
to my ever-forming thoughts and ideas,
but, most of all, I remember you ~
wise, helpful, caring ~
always believing in me and loving me."
"I'll always be glad for these memories, Mother,
and love you for each and every one."
"Your friendship and faith in me
have helped me find my way in life,
and I know that if I've turned out
even a little bit like you hoped I would,
then all you've done for me
and all the love that guided you
will have been worthwhile."
Author Unknown
Paul - A dear friend of mine who has cancer.
Mary - A dear friend of mine who has multiple sclerosis.
Wendy - A dear friend of mine who is struggling very hard with cancer.
Links to Information to These Diseases on the Web
American Cancer Society
American Prostate Society
Please sign the Prostate Cancer Petition
MedNEWS - Bladder Cancer
CancerNet - Bladder Cancer
CancerNet - Prostate Cancer
Living With Lupus
Multiple Sclerosis Foundations, Inc.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all who suffer from these and other types of diseases. May God bless your lives with love and strength as he has ours.
Prayers From the Heart
by Richard J. Foster