Michele Roque: The Art of Survivorship

At a recent meeting of Living Beyond Breast Cancer‘s Writing the Journey series, participant Michele Roque asked if she could share some of her writing with the group. Here, LBBC shares what she read aloud to the ladies and fellow survivors in the writing group.

“Her writing felt like such a gift – a gift of words – and one that we wanted to share with fellow survivors who visit the LBBC website.”  –Alysa Cummings, Group Facilitator of Writing the Journey

The Art of Survivorship

By Michele Roque

“Be as a bird, perched on a frail branch that she feels bending beneath her,
Still she sings, sings, knowing she has wings.” -Victor Hugo

I have found that being a survivor means being afraid and brave, often at the same time. I think survivors understand that we are all connected by the inevitability of adversity. Our lives are fragile, but if we band together, connecting ourselves to family, friends and fellow survivors, we gain courage and strength.

My encounters with survivors have been both inspiring and humbling. They may look like ordinary people, but they have accomplished extraordinary feats.

Through my journey, I have tried to summon a fraction of their strength. If you are open, you’ll encounter fellow survivors who are ready to lend a shoulder and a hand.

The journey of life is one we all travel, and as we all know, it can sometimes be an uphill climb; and at other times a smooth coast. Often we are moving fast, because that’s what we think we are supposed to do. And then some difficult challenge stops us in our tracks, forcing us to slow down and hopefully regroup.

I have found that survival requires being mindful of today and being open with hope and faith, even during our most difficult struggles. For it is this that invites grace, joy and courage into our lives.

 Living Beyond Breast Cancer will host another Writing the Journey Series in the Fall. Check back to the LBBC Blog for more insights from Alysa Cummings and future Writing the Journey creations.