My Talk With My Daughter Yesterday
Yesterday was the day that my 15-year-old daughter and I had a very emotional talk about my journey with cancer. We shared, we cried, we hugged and we both got a deeper understanding of each other’s feelings and where everything is at, as we know it. I let Sivanna ask any questions about anything at all that she had. We both shared how we felt in March, along the way and now. It was an open, transparent conversation that unfolded perfectly and it prompted me to write this blog post that I have been meaning to write for quite some time.
It may in fact be the most important post, for me, that I will ever write as part of my writing legacy and on my journey with cancer.
What Is This Important Thing That I Speak of?
From day one on my journey which started with a trip to the emergency department on March 6 of 2021, I have felt this….
After I learned of my diagnosis of Stage 4 Uncurable Cancer, and after I processed it all, what I realized that I both needed and wanted most, was this:
Throughout it all, I want and have wanted from Day 1, is for my Husband to continue to be my Husband and for my Daughter to be my Daughter, and what I mean by this is that I needed them and still do, to be who they are in their roles in life. I want them both to be happy and doing what they love, working and attending school, engaging in life and doing the things that 15-year-olds and Dads enJOY doing!
There is no way I could handle everything being revolved around me and my cancer. And yesterday, Sivanna and I talked about this. I explained that this whole experience is new to me and I was learning and processing as I went along. What helped me most was that they are my rocks and they keep my spirit high when they are living THEIR lives to the fullest.
In retrospect, I am soooooo very glad that we did not sit down as a family in March and say something like “Okay family meeting. Mom’s got Stage 4 Incurable Cancer and then we would all be devasted and the world would start to revolve around me and my disease. I so did not want that so the way it rolled was perfect.
As my favorite Doctor says “This experiment has never been done before”. This means we don’t know how this will unfold for me given MY body and what I am doing etc. So we have all processed and dealt with this as we have gone along and I feel it has been the best way to handle it, for us anyways. It has allowed life to go on because it does! Life goes on no matter what is happening and I want my peeps to be in JOY! I know we all have to let our feelings express themselves but we don’t need to become obsessed with the disease. The disease takes away enough on its own.
I explained to Sivanna that I NEVER want her to have any regrets, now or in the future. For example, I said maybe we talk about spending time together and you tell me that you are chilling and watching TikTok videos. I say “Great!” That is what my daughter is enJOYing… just being her 15-year old self!
I have no NEED for having to spend time together for the sake of just thinking we should. I also shared that if she is doing something that she enJOYs and if a thought strikes her like “OMG my Mom has cancer!”and thinking she should be sad, to stop and say “No it’s okay for me to be happy right now”. Now my friends this is what I want the most for my daughter and all of those who love me.
One of The Hardest Things About Cancer
One of the hardest parts about cancer is telling those you love. It took me a long time to spill the beans to everyone and for some, it was through a blog post. I can tell you that I can still see the look in the eyes of everyone that I told in person and those are the hardest conversations I ever had in my entire life! It had to be done in stages because it is just too painful to see the pain in others and to hear it in their voices. This disease affects everyone in your circle, it is not a stand-alone thing.
So to all of you reading this today or in the future, no matter what turn life throws you, make a choice. Choose not to let it become your life. Try not to let it consume the life and happiness of everyone around you. It really is much easier this way, I promise.
And as always and in all ways, I love you all!
And if you would like to learn about my last wish and legacy you can do so here:
MaggieHolbik.com 
Youโre an inspiration to others Maggie. I admire your spirit and courage.
Thank you so much Lisa. I appreciate that so much and that you took the time and love to comment. These are the special things that make such a difference in life.
Thank you so much Lisa! I appreciate that and I am so glad I can be of help to others also walking on the path of the earthly journey.
I love the way that you are guiding this (very difficult not to feel sorry for yourself) you are blowing it out of the water. Just Wow and I Love you all very much forevers.
Thanks Nat! I appreciate your kind words. Luvs ya!
Maggie your words here MUST be recorded for posterity! Having cancer is initially so terrifying BUT there is still room for all the other emotions too! Someone once told me โLove is not a piece of pieโ โ I believe that they meant that love is not an emotion that once you give it away – none is left! The pie is made up of many emotions โ and there is room for them all. Your courage and willingness to share your truth in this unprecedented journey for you is beyond profoundโฆ There is a reason why we met โsisterโ โฆ. I am so blessed for itโฆthe world is blessed for YOU!
Big big BIG hugs dear friend. Your energy and love is eternal! โฅ๏ธ
Thank you Lynda and I love the pie analogy! I am so glad we met too!
Wow Maggie I am in Awe of you and the ability to keep this perspective and way of life for you and your family. Such a true testament to the Angel you are on earth! This is inspiring me as always, and I appreciate you being vulnerable and sharing your light even when you walk through darkness. You have taken back So much of your power and itโs so inspiring to witness. I will always think of you when I am needing a reminder to live in my joy! Sending so much love to you and your family. Your spirit and legacy will live on just as you are now! Hugs. ๐๐
Thank you so much. I love how you speak of me ‘taking back so much of my power’. That is how I feel… empowered and it feels good. this is what I wish for everyone. Thank you also or taking the time to comment and for your intention of sharing kind sentiments with me. That empowers me too! โฅ Blessings to YOU!โฅ
wow Maggie reading those words and on life and legacy..my heart? i too will forever be grateful just for you and your words to live my life in joy and not look back or the heartache within. You, my friend have shown and shared the most intimate of feelings, truth and the journey that you are walking. I will forever think of you, thank you and continue to read and spread your word. i thank God for yu and that He put you in my life then andnow and i know your legacy, will always continue to be!! I am truly blessed and you are my angel on earth..love you xxx
Thank you, Janice! You never cease to amaze me as you also empower me and continue to ignite my passion and fuel my mission with your kind and generous feedback always. And of course, I am grateful to be of service to you and to all my fellow earthly travelers and as Ram Dass once said: “We are all just walking each other home”. โฅ Blessings to YOU!โฅ