Where have all the people gone?

When I first became challenged with breast cancer in 2000, I had long conversations with my radiologist. One day we talked about the subject of my creating a solid support system. He  alerted me that some friends and family members might distance themselves from me for a while. Others might sever all ties without an explanation. I thought to myself, "How strange."  Ironically, my circle of friends (including family members) started to dwindle. 

Initially, I was devastated when my circle of friends began to dwindle, and family members began to distance themselves from me. It has been thirteen years, and two major operations later, and I am still on planet earth living life to the fullest and appreciating every day. I am a SURVIVOR, not a victim. Ironically, this has been one of the happiest times in my life. People ask me why I remain passionate about living and very optimistic when many of my friends and even family members have decided to exclude me from their lives.  Actually, their "rejection" has been a great gift.  It has allowed me the opportunity to search within and find true happiness with God at the root of my heart and soul. From the late, great Marilyn Monroe, "It's better to be happy alone, than unhappy with someone." 

To those friends and family members who remain loyal and love me unconditionally, I dedicate this poem: 

"The Vast Ocean of People"

by

Sandra Fernandez-Henderson

The world is a vast ocean of people.

Many come and go, like the tides.

Some are like sand castles

that crumble with the ocean's waves,

no trace of them remaining.

In this vast ocean ...

Some are unpredictable like the currents

of unsafe waters.

Others are like tidal waves,

taking but never giving in return.

There are some who are shallow

and transparent like a brook.

And there are those few who are

constant and stable,

like a ship's anchor. 

I thank you for being who you are,

and for making me be a better person.