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Once a Survivor, Forever a Fighter

December 21, 2011
By Shmelmo GOLD, Elma, Iowa
More by this author
Shmelmo GOLD, Elma, Iowa
16 articles 9 photos 143 comments

Favorite Quote:
You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.

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My Grandma was once a survivor.
She was determined; knew what she was fighting for.
But cancer has more plans now. It has struck once again.
They say it’s worse, and this time, she cannot win.
After radiation fails, she returns back home.
Cancer definitely taken its toll, and it just doesn’t seem fair.
She looks so fragile, as if my slightest touch could shatter her
Every
Aching
Bone
I gently kiss her bald head, and as if sound would hurt, I whisper,
“Hey Grandma. I love you.”
She seems confused. Rather fazed.
I carry on my own conversation about my days.
She sits and she listens. She is so quiet, so weak.
Then she looks up at me and smiles, ever so slightly.
A tear runs down my cheek, and I touch her hand lightly.
Everyday, she slowly starts to fade away.
But still, I pray for her every single day.

The author's comments:
A few years ago my Grandma was diagnosed with Breast cancer. She took Chemo and radiation and survived. This summer, she became sick again. After a false diagnosis and many months of being sick, the doctors found the cancer. Unfortunately, it was too late. It has spread throughout her entire body, eating her up little by little. She has decided not to go through with Chemo now, as it will only extend her life by a few weeks. Doctors give her a few months, nothing more. I wrote this poem for you Grandma. I love you...be strong! :')
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JOIN THE DISCUSSION

This article has 56 comments.

recurring_resilience SILVER said...
on Jan. 25 2012 at 7:02 am
recurring_resilience SILVER, Ashburn, Virginia
9 articles 0 photos 92 comments

Favorite Quote:
"These are the times that try men's souls." - Thomas Paine.

"You don't understand! I coulda had class. I coulda been a contender. I could've been somebody, instead of a bum, which is what I am." - On the Water Front

"This is my place of failure."

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I can relate.. When I was young my mom had breast cancer.. She's a survivor though.. But I do remember the fear that I could lose her any day..
schristensen said...
on Jan. 24 2012 at 9:46 pm
schristensen, Coden, Alabama
0 articles 0 photos 30 comments

Favorite Quote:
be you not your neighbor

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ive had a few ppl taken by cancer ik ur pain
daph199 SILVER said...
on Jan. 24 2012 at 9:37 pm
daph199 SILVER, Burlington, New Jersey
5 articles 0 photos 13 comments
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I like this. You definitely put a lot of effort and meaning into this. Cancer is horrible. We really lose to many good people to it. Anyway, I like how you don't just state things, you give it poetic value. People sometimes forget that so good work! Please check out my poems "Ode to Coffee Cups" and "The War". For The War, I would love to see if you could guess the hidden meaning behind it.
cat23 said...
on Jan. 24 2012 at 11:56 am
I absolutely love it... it touched my heart and your grandma will forever be in my prayers
ErisRose DIAMOND said...
on Jan. 23 2012 at 4:42 pm
ErisRose DIAMOND, Ashburn, Virginia
50 articles 1 photo 81 comments

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Omnia vincit amor et nos cedamus amori- Love conquers all let us yield to love
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If they give you ruled paper, write the other way

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This is so sad...it's beautiful and sad and I don't know what to say. It's simply amazing.
KaylaMarie1996 BRONZE said...
on Jan. 23 2012 at 2:12 pm
KaylaMarie1996 BRONZE, Sylvania, Ohio
3 articles 0 photos 10 comments

Favorite Quote:
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Oh my gosh, this is amazing. My aunt has cancer and they are doing raidation right now. I'm sorry :(
-Char- GOLD said...
on Jan. 23 2012 at 1:51 pm
-Char- GOLD, Council Bluffs, Iowa
17 articles 0 photos 21 comments

Favorite Quote:
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I'm speechles..... in a good way of course...but... just.... I don't know what to say to this. It's so... Beutiful!
browneyedgirl1996 BRONZE said...
on Jan. 23 2012 at 12:51 pm
browneyedgirl1996 BRONZE, Colonial Heights, Virginia
1 article 0 photos 3 comments

Favorite Quote:
" fish are friends not food"
"stick that in your jucie box and suck it"

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this really hits me.. i'm crying right now like my mom died of cance back in 2006
babyrex4 SILVER said...
on Jan. 22 2012 at 8:28 pm
babyrex4 SILVER, Buffalo, New York
5 articles 6 photos 191 comments

Favorite Quote:
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Author Unknown

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This poem is so beautiful :). It comes right from your heart, and those are the best types of poems, no matter what. I really like the ending, as it almost sent me to tears. Keep writing, really please do. Also, I am sorry for your loss.
artmantist BRONZE said...
on Jan. 21 2012 at 8:53 pm
artmantist BRONZE, Willemstad, Other
3 articles 0 photos 72 comments
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this is one of the most true poem i ve ever read, this is so real, i like ur sentence; and it is as sound would hurt
Vanilla4Life BRONZE said...
on Jan. 21 2012 at 5:52 pm
Vanilla4Life BRONZE, Carrollton, Texas
4 articles 0 photos 21 comments

Favorite Quote:
"Never give up on something you can't go a day without thinking about it."
"Being happy doesn't mean everything is perfect. It means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections."

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So sad T-T
Acastillo GOLD said...
on Jan. 21 2012 at 5:39 pm
Acastillo GOLD, Phoenix, Arizona
11 articles 0 photos 114 comments

Favorite Quote:
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This made me teary eyed and I can't imagine what you went through, I can't imagine what it would be like without my grandma. I could feel your emotion in this poem, nice job and I'm sorry for your losses.
.king. SILVER said...
on Jan. 21 2012 at 12:28 pm
.king. SILVER, Yeux Bien Tres Bien, Other
9 articles 4 photos 569 comments

Favorite Quote:
( ͡~ ͜ʖ ͡°)

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That was a sweet sad bitter write, I'm sorry, my great granny died recently, and I like your write !
AlaskaGirl GOLD said...
on Jan. 19 2012 at 9:28 pm
AlaskaGirl GOLD, Klawock, Alaska
11 articles 4 photos 147 comments

Favorite Quote:
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I'm so sorry
Sparkles5683 BRONZE said...
on Jan. 16 2012 at 9:25 pm
Sparkles5683 BRONZE, Aurora, Illinois
2 articles 0 photos 3 comments

Favorite Quote:
Never give up on someone you can't go a day without think about:)

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that was super great!!:) Really sad, sorry for your loss
poetidea_myworld_22 PLATINUM said...
on Jan. 15 2012 at 8:19 pm
poetidea_myworld_22 PLATINUM, Rediville, South Carolina
39 articles 1 photo 104 comments

Favorite Quote:
"A girl doesn't need anyone who doesn't need her" Marylin Monroe

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omg tht was like wow im at a loss of words!!!