Below is an extract of school work by my son Matthew. The question was 'Managing Change' and how it impacted on you:
'Change is the law of life', said former U.S President John F Kennedy. It is inevitable for anyone and everyone. Everyday people throughout the world experience change. Either for good or for bad, change is a memory builder, character builder and emotional strengthener which will continue to build and shape us until the day we die.
I have had many events in my life which I believe have changed me for the better. For example, in late 2003, when I was at the doctors with my mum, she was delivered a curved ball in the shape of breast cancer. This dramatic event caused not only my life but my whole family's life to be turned upside down. Watching my mum fight this awful disease, being injected with various sorts of treatments, witnessing her body changing on a day to day basis and then come out of the battle victorious. This changed me by opening my eyes the broader picture of life and taking onboard a new motto for life, 'Life's too short for stuffing around'.
I owe so much to both my children. Going into my sixth year of living with breast cancer, I have no sign of the illness returning. I truly believe both Matthew and Laura have had a huge impact on my outcome, they made me stronger person throughout my nightmare, which I doubt I could have endured without them. Thank you. Love always Mum.
-- Pat, NSW
