Today begins another journey on a path that began approximately 15 years ago. Pamela is a courageous fighter, a beautiful woman, and she also just happens to be my wife. Pamela’s journey began in 1999 when she was diagnosed with cancer, a very rare form. In 2006, after enduring an extensive surgery and her first round of chemo, we took a much needed long weekend to Vermont. As we wandered through the state marveling at the wonderful palette of colors and smorgasbord of sights, we found the above seen that seemed so pastoral as the time. The photographs sat for a number of years, until in 2009, her cancer reappeared and again more surgery and round of chemo. The above photograph, I felt, was not only closely attached to our life and experiences, during chemo again in 2009, it became a metaphor of her life, and perhaps that of others who endure and fight cancer. At the time, I named the photograph Pamela’s Path and it remains special to this day.
Pamela’s Path became a visual metaphor of the journey taken by so many, and by Pam. Walking along the path is never simple, never smooth; it is rocky and uneven, but, unfortunately, well traveled. Occasionally, the sun shines on the path and on the hopes of those afflicted. Although there is the glow of the sun, shadows of unknowing are ever present: the unknown and the cloud of reoccurrence always present. The path is never straight, it curves and wanders as does life. Wandering, the path becomes an abyss of deep shadows and darkness; the unknown for Pam and every person who fights cancer. The curve appears to narrow and rises with a slight incline before bending and entering the which is unknown and yet to be experienced. The hope is always for more sunshine on around the bend.
Our current journey of hope has now begun with a trip to Houston, TX and MD Anderson, the preeminent and best cancer center in the world. Pamela’s cancer has yet again recurred. We have reached the curve and deep shadows. Pam continues to fight. At the end of the week we will have a better view of the future and that which is present around the curve. Pamela’s is an inspiring story of courage and success in the middle of the maelstrom of cancer. Pamela’s Path is inspiring to us and hopefully to others. Pam has her own blog, “Pamela’s Path.” For years she has kept this private, but with the most recent recurrence and a new and unknown path along which are new physicians and a new, top rated care facility, she has decided to open her blog for others to read. Perhaps others can find courage, or be provided support through Pam’s writings and thoughts. I would love to tell her story, but that is for Pam to do…it is her life, her story; she lived it and I can not, as close as my experiences are, tell you her thoughts, feelings, and daily difficulties in the same way she can. If you choose, you may follow Pam as her journey of life continues. The link to Pamela’s Path is:
http://pamelaspath.com
Pamela
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