During my battle with cancer, I met so many brave women fighting the same fight.
People often said things like, “You’ve got this!” or “You’re a fighter — God has plans for you.” But what does that imply about the women who didn’t survive? That they lacked strength? Faith? Determination?
Let me be clear: they did not. They most certainly did not.
They were fierce, faithful, and full of life. Many were mothers, daughters, wives, friends — deeply loved and needed. They fought with everything they had. And still, they died.
Meanwhile, I lived. No children. No spouse. No parents depending on me. And I often wonder — why me? Their loss left gaping holes in the world. Mine wouldn’t have.
I’ve been told, “God has a purpose for you.” But I’m not so high-and-mighty as to believe my survival means I mattered more. If anything, I mattered less.
I don’t understand why some live and others don’t. I doubt I’ll ever understand. But this I do know: those women didn’t lose their lives because they were weak or unworthy. They were extraordinary.
I try to believe the universe unfolds as it should — even when it breaks my heart and leaves my soul utterly shaken. Sometimes, it is easier to believe than at other times.
