The Circle of Life

After a wonderful time at the shore on vacation, I pondered the recent events that occurred in my life. Over the last few weeks, a new nephew was born, my husband and I renewed our marriage vows, and our loving aunt passed away.

We experienced the excitement of new birth, the happiness of a successful marriage, and the sadness in the loss of a loved one. These events symbolize the “circle of life”, the representation of birth, growth, aging, and death.

More to see than can ever be seen

As a cancer survivor, one is faced with numerous thoughts, aspirations, and fears. I remembered the words from the touching music of Disney's The Lion King, in a song called the "Circle of Life" by Elton John.

It certainly describes life and how I experienced my cancer. How often have we hoped to do more while not feeling well and dealing with the issues of our cancer diagnosis and treatment?

"From the day we arrive on the planet
And blinking, step into the sun
There's more to see than can ever be seen
More to do than can ever be done
There's far too much to take in here
More to find than can ever be found
But the sun rolling high
Through the sapphire sky
Keeps great and small on the endless round"¹

A patient's range of emotions

I can recall my range of emotions when diagnosed and treated for cancer. The lyrics clearly reflect the feelings often experienced by a cancer patient and even their loved ones.

We move through stages of shock, denial, anger, and, finally, acceptance. Very often faith and the love of our families give us strength to deal with the cancer diagnosis, treatment and unknown.

"It's the Circle of Life
And it moves us all
Through despair and hope
Through faith and love
Till we find our place
On the path unwinding
In the Circle of life"¹

Apprecite the subtle things

The lyrics of this song are uplifting and describe the events and feelings experienced by a cancer survivor. While life can be very distressing and unpredictable, and at times with many obstacles, it reminds me of the importance of faith, family, and friends.

Each of us has our own journey, on our individual path. We experience ups and downs. We try to find what is meaningful to each of us.

We begin to appreciate the subtle things in our daily lives: the smile of a passing stranger, the sound of a chirping bird, a beautiful rainbow, and the sound of ocean waves. We hope that we will experience the circle of life.