In 2011 I read the most amazing poem by Shelli Lemmo dealing with a spouse who was diagnosed with cancer. It wasn't me....but it was beautifully said. I saved the poem and referred to it several times over the years. It came in handy when my best friend was diagnosed in 2012. I found Shelli's poem a balm for a hurting soul and shared with my friend, Mary's, husband. I never knew that in 2019 this poem would be pulled up again to help me. In 2019 my husband was diagnosed with multiple myloma and this poem became real for me. I know there are other's out there who are in this boat and I hope it touches your heart the way it touched mine. I don't know Shelli Lemmo personally, but she helped me through a storm. Thank you sweet lady for your words. I hope you don't mind if I share them with others.
"I wish I could take the cancer from your body; I wish I could take the despair from your heart;
I wish I could take all the symptoms from your mind;I wish I could stop all the pain, illness and fear.
I will be at your side every step of the way; I will not falter; I will be brave;
I will love you no matter what course you choose; I will do everything I can to help you through.
I hate to see you suffer; It hurts to watch you in pain;
I hate that I can’t make you feel better; My heart aches that I can’t make it go away.
I know that you are weary; I know that you are afraid;
I know that you don’t feel well; Please know that I’m here and let me help!
I will be with you every step of the way; No matter what course you choose;
I will love you and stand by you; I will be your rock, your strength, and I will pray for you.
When you are feeling weak, lean on me; When you are feeling afraid, let me hold you;
When you need to talk; talk to me; I WILL love you through this, if you just let me.
I will be your nurse when you need nursing; I will be your best friend when you need friendship;
I will be your support team when your attitude is not quite positive;
I will be your punching bag when you are angry;
I will be your shoulder to lean on when you have doubts;
I will ask the questions you are afraid to ask.
I will fight when you are too weak to fight; I will cry when you are too afraid to cry;
I will scream for you when you are too tired to scream; I will pray with you when you feel alone.
I will never give in to doubt or fear; I will never give up on you or us;
I have Faith in your ability to fight this;
And I have enough love for you to let you make your own choice!
YOU do not have Cancer …WE have Cancer;
We will pray together and fight together;
We will fear together and treat together;
I AM going to love you through this."
With All My Hope, Faith and Love, Your Wife
November 1, 2011
