Day Thirty Nine

I was reading Lance Armstrong's book at 4am today - I cannot read it without feeling inspired and there is a sense of pride from me towards him because of his strength of character. I have taken these extracts from it, I don't think he will mind. He is talking about the 'the obligation of the cured', the responsibility that some feel when they survive cancer to encourage and inspire others to fight the good fight.

'Dr Nichols told me that there was every sign now that I was going to be among the lucky ones who cheated the disease. He said that as my health improved, I might feel the larger purpose than just myself. Cancer could be an opportunity as well as a responsibility. Dr Nichols had seen all kinds of cancer patients become dedicated activists against the disease, and he hoped I would be one of them.
I hoped so too. I was beginning to see cancer as something that I was given for the good of others...all I knew was that I felt I had a mission to serve others that I'd never had before, and I took it more seriously than anything in the world...
I had talked to Steve Wolff about what I was feeling, and he said "I think you were fated to get this type of illness. One, because maybe you could overcome it, and two, because your potential as a human was so much greater than just being a cyclist."'

That is exactly how I feel. Everything happens for a reason. If I can take my experience and turn it into something positive that helps other people, I hope I will complete what is required of me. I also think I have been dealt this card for another reason. It has opened my eyes to humanity, what incredible beings we are with such amazing qualities including compassion, the need to survive, strength and support for others who need it, love for fellow mankind and protectiveness. If I had one wish now, it would be to show this world how amazing we really are, to put aside our differences and accept that we are all different, that is what makes us who we are. And we are amazing.