My younger cousin Kim, just 42 years of age, lost her battle with brain cancer this morning.

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“…You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and the manner in which you live.”

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Courage is how Kim chose to live

Over 9 years ago it was discovered that Kim had a brain tumor. Newly married to Todd for just four months, Kim went on to have a child and continued to live with courage.

Myself a self-proclaimed writer, I am at a loss for words today. I continue to compose my thoughts about this dear woman who loved life, laughed often, lived with courage, loved greatly, and was an all around badass. (I say this with the utmost respect. I promise to write more about that in a future post.)

I am finding hope and inspiration in these quotes:

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“I’m fighting, I’m not losing.
When you die it does not mean you lose the battle against cancer,
you beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and the manner in which you live.”
(the late great ESPN broadcaster Stuart Scott about battling cancer.)

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And some excerpts from Og Mandino on how to live:

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“I will beat upon my heart with GRATITUDE as I consider all who greeted yesterday’s sunrise who are no longer with the living today. I am indeed a fortunate man and today’s hours are but a bonus, undeserved. Why have I been allowed to live this extra day when others, far better than I have departed? Is it that they have accomplished their PURPOSE while mine is yet to be achieved? Is this another opportunity for me to become the man I know I can be? Is this my day to excel?”

“Today I shall fondle my children while they are young; tomorrow they will be gone, and so will I. Today I shall embrace my woman with sweet kisses; tomorrow she will be gone, and so will I. Today I shall lift up a friend in need; tomorrow he will no longer cry for help, nor will I hear his cries.”

“This day I will make the best day of my life.”

“I will live this day as if it is my last. And if it is not, I shall fall to my knees and GIVE THANKS.”[/thrive_text_block]

“God saw you getting tired,
And a cure was not to be.
So He wrapped His arms around you,
And whispered, “Come to me.”
With tearful eyes we watched you
And saw you pass away
And although we love you dearly
We could not make you stay.
A Golden heart stopped beating
When He gave you rest.
God’s garden must be beautiful
He only takes the best.”
(Unknown)

 

With love, kindness and gratitude,

Lori Ann