Blog 8 - Beginnings of the fellowship

Fly from bad companions as from the bite of a poisonous snake. If you keep good companions, I can assure you that you will one day rejoice with the blessed in Heaven; whereas if you keep with those who are bad, you will become bad yourself, and you will be in danger of losing your soul. 

- St. John Bosco

Strangers from distant lands, friends of old, you have been summoned here to answer the threat of Mordor. Middle Earth stands upon the brink of destruction; none can escape it. You will unite or you will fall. Each race is bound to this fate, this one doom. Bring forth the Ring, Frodo. 
- Elrond, J.R.R. Tolkien

     My wife, if you don't know, is an excellent teacher at a Catholic School.  She has her students read The Hobbit or LOTR alternating years most of the time.  Her famous Second Hobbit breakfast activity famously shows her love for JRR Tolkien. She often brings out for her students the Catholic themes that run though these novels. We share that love of these famous works. So, it not very strange that I started thinking of my journey the same as Frodo.  To compare Frodo's journey of being the ring bearer of the one ring to Mount Doom to destroy it to my own journey with cancer came naturally.  Just like Frodo, I was not ready for this responsibility, but like Frodo I was chosen. At the Council of Elrond, Frodo realized that he was destined to be the ring bearer.  It was his burden to carry, and it was also mine.  As he was not alone, neither was I.  Samwise, Frodo's faithful friend, was my wife.  There was never a moment that she was not there helping me on this journey.  Gandalf was my father.  He was there to advise and strive for the best route to complete my journey.  Where Frodo was limited to eight people in his Fellowship.  I had my immediate family but also work companions, St. Pius X church community which included parishioners, TMIY, ACTS, and friends.  

  

     One of the tough things about cancer is the unknown.  That unknown weighs one down just like the ring did to Frodo.  The fog of what is occurring in your body is the cancer re-marching to confront the battle lines.  Will chemotherapy be a weapon and ally, or foe? Cancer makes you think about employment, insurance coverage, deductibles, and the everyday life of the family.

     So far, I am strengthened by my faith and hope that God can make all things new from this disease. I also have my fellowship.  People are constantly informing my wife, messaging me or her with prayers and best wishes, and sending cards about praying for me and offering mass for my health.  This journey is still in its early stage, but the Fellowship of my Cancer is strong.