Being a victim is a state of body.
Being a survivor is a state of mind.
A victim fears hair falling out.
A survivor knows bald is beautiful.
A victim knows about feeling down.
A survivor knows feeling down is okay.
A victim dreads the side effects of treatments.
A survivor wonders how to cancel his membership in the Side-Effect-of-the-Month Club.
A victim is amazed at all the tears.
A survivor never leaves home without Kleenex.
A victim goes to “see” a doctor.
A survivor “consults” with his or her physician.
A victim gets caught up in despair.
A survivor prays a lot.
A victim feels helpless.
A survivor says “thanks” with dignity and grace.
A victim enjoys a good laugh.
A survivor loves one.
From the moment we are diagnosed, we are victims.
We must
choose
to be survivors.
Paula (Bachleda) Koskey
From
Chicken Soup for the Surviving Soul
