This morning, I watched with great interest a story on the beloved Alex Trebek and his journey so far with his devastating cancer diagnosis. I was so moved by the positive and uplifting spirit that he displayed even after receiving the recent news that his cancer had bounded back with a vengeance. The honest manner in which he delivered this news was nothing short of inspiring.
It is important to mention that Alex, since receiving his diagnosis in March of this year, has not missed one day of work even through his days and weeks of two rounds of aggressive chemotherapy. When questioned where this determination came from, Trebek answered, “I just need to continue doing what I have done for the past 36 years. I am 79 years old, and I have had an amazing life. Do I worry about what happens when I die? Like anyone else, of course I do, but my questions are more directed to what will happen to those I leave behind, not for myself.” This says to me that Alex has been fulfilled in this life and will meet the next realm with the same spirit – he will seek to attain perfection and live up to whatever is placed in front of him. His testament to continue to ‘do what he has done’ is like a seeing a valiant flag of victory waved.
In this day and age, one does not have to go far to learn of someone in their circle who has or is suffering from cancer. My experiences in dealing with my father’s diagnosis, received at a young age, left an indelible mark on me and my siblings when he lost his battle. Where I do not have any room in my heart for hate, I do admit I hate cancer. It is a robber baron.