cancer – day 127

I have this book my mom bought for me when I was a little kid, it’s called “Michelle,” and the story of it stayed with me my entire life. When I was home this week, I went into my boxes of books and found it and brought it back to Sac with me. I’ve only read a couple chapters so far, but I remember it being so very inspiring to me even as a child that I thought it would be a good thing to read again now, with more context of understanding.

Michelle was an 8-year-old girl with bone cancer in her leg. Her leg was amputated, and even though they were planning tons of chemo, she had only a 4% chance of survival going in. The spirit she maintained throughout treatment was amazing, and something I felt I needed to remind myself of. So I’m re-reading the book.

It’s a young adults book, so a quick read but a compelling story. Two things really stand out about it, her bravery in undergoing all the treatments because they were required for bone cancer, and her ability to always be thoughtful of others and giving. There’s a line in the book that sums it up really, it’s her mom reflecting on some comments made about Michelle’s spirit and loving nature. “Michele seems to give without being concerned whether you can give anything in return, even in her pain she still cares for others.”

See? So there’s nothing unusual in this desire I have to use this experience to be a better, more giving person. Well, maybe it’s still a bit unusual in that maybe not everyone takes that approach to it, but it’s not like I’m the only person to every try, and this little girl Michelle, she lived her young life that way, always giving even when she herself was in pain. It inspired me in grade school and still inspires me now. I wonder what happened to her longer term, after the time period of the book? When our Internet is back online Wednesday, maybe I can do some research and find out.