Living on purpose
Miracle Survivor Rose Paul knew she had to be there for her son. Now she's here for her granddaughter, too.
In my book, I center my survivor stories around some common themes: Faith, Perseverance, Attitude, Support and Purpose. Yesterday my new partner-in-healing Nevine and I went out for a huge Lebanese lunch. I came away with a full tummy, a little indigestion (garlic and chemo – not a good combination), and a lot of inspiration.
As we were driving home, we talked about how we have a purpose in life, and we weren’t going anywhere before we fulfill it. We both agreed that purpose was to be here for our children – and future grandchildren.
This made me think of one of the Miracle Survivors I’ve interviewed, Rose Paul. In October 1982, Rose was diagnosed with cancer of the uterine lining that had spread to both lungs. She was 21 years old and just delivered her son.
Back in 1982, there was not much hope for survival for this rare disease. Her doctor told her, “I had one other patient with this kind of cancer, and we lost her. At the rate this is growing and how aggressive it is, I can’t promise you you’ll be here for Christmas.” Rose told me:
I’d always say, “I’m going to beat this because I want to see (my son) grow up.” I stayed in the hospital five months and missed him terribly. I wanted to put my arms around my baby, and I couldn’t. I was allowed to visit him in the lobby when my mom brought him. Sometimes when I was in isolation, I couldn’t even see him. It hurt to know other people were raising my child. I had to square with that.
The chemo eliminated the cancer in my lungs, and I was released from the hospital. When I came home, my son was eight months old. I held on to him for dear life, carrying him everywhere I went. I held him when he was sleeping and would just look at him. I was so happy to see my son again. People told me I was going to spoil that child, but I didn’t care. For five months, I couldn’t carry him at all. I was making up for lost time.
Today Rose is cancer-free, but suffers from painful bone degenration from heavy radiation treatments and scans. She lifts her spirits by counting her blessings.
Some days I struggle, and some days I’m fine. But at least I don’t have my life on the line anymore. I’m happy I got see my son graduate and get married. They just had a daughter, Emily Rose. He’s going to be a great dad, but I’m going to be a great grandma! This time around, I’m not missing out on showering my love onto a little child.
Sherry says:
A beautiful story of determination, faith, spirit and love. Tami, I agree once again with you — we all have a purpose here in this life…it is our joy to discover it and share it. I’m glad that you are sharing yours.
Rosemary Paul says:
Thank you for sharing my story on your blog. It was a difficult time but the love of my family brought me through it all. The care and concern of my medical team did the rest.
Thank you Tami and here is to brighter days ahead for all of us.
Judy says:
Rose, I didn’t know about this but I am so glad God carried you through this. You are such a blessing to many of your friends.
Rachel from Bitten by Books says:
Thank you for sharing Rose’s story today. I knew that she is a cancer survivor, but didn’t know that the treatments resulted in the back issues she has today. Rose is an earth angel. Even though we have never met in person, she and I have been exchanging emails for several years. She never hardly ever complains, and always has her heart out to share. I am truly blessed to know her and consider her amongst my friends.
May all the blessings of the Goddess continue to be with you and your family Rose.
HUGS
Rachel
Rosemary Paul says:
Thank you for sharing my story.
I hope for brighter days for us all.
George T. Czapp says:
Rose happens to be my baby sister and I have always been protective of her as you can well imagine. When she came down with the cancer I was truly frightened.I didn’t know if she would survive or not but if I would bet on anyone making it through it would be her. She fought as hard as ever a human could fight. She always says that I am her hero but in truth she was the one who was inspirational. She showed me that the spirit can endure all sorts of attacks but she never lost her sense of humor or her purpose of driving this cancer from her body so that she could return to her family and her precious baby Despite the odds and after nearly 8 months in the hospital she returned to a somewhat normal life and to this day despite her pain as a result of treatment she still has her sense of humor and her love for her family. She is a tireless worker to help raise funds for cancer research and maybe most of all she is a life lesson in courage and determination to never ever give up and never stop pursuing a cure..
Stephanie says:
Rose’s story is definitely a miracle story, and it continues as such. Rose volunteers tirelessly with the American Cancer Society for their annual 24-hour relay – a job which starts the day after each relay. Rose has worked to build Hope Lodge and is devoting her efforts with a committee to build a second lodge. She spends time there with cancer patients of all ages, baking cookies for the children, making sure that every need is met.
Rose and I have been sisters for so many years now that I can’t remember a time she wasn’t in my life – and we’ve never met, except through e-mails and telephone calls. She is a strong and positive force in my life and the lives of so many others. Her answer to a need is to give before the need is even expressed.
Love you, Rose. Richest blessings of the Goddess to you and your ever-growing family.
Steph