Sometimes I see people in very dark situations who still seem to shine with a light fired from within them. People who find an inner strength, that you can see in the way they keep moving forward, even when everything is collapsing around them.
For isntance, I know a young couple living through a tragic situation and I am impressed by the fortitude and courage of both the terminally ill husband, and the dedicated wife who remains steadfastly by his side. She's determined not to break down, not to show any but cheerful support.
I see the dark circles under her eyes, the anxiety behind her smile, but I also see her pride in her husband, in his quiet acceptance of the fact that at the age of 30, his life is far too rapidly approaching its end.
This is so unnecessary. Consider the millions of dollars directed annually toward cancer research. As my sister said, "If the same number of people who die from cancer were dying from H1N1 flu, the authorities would declare an epidemic."
