Lil Bit of Good...The True Meaning of Strength

Greetings, my darlings! The particular topic I would like to discuss today is very near and dear to my heart: Breast cancer.
Yes, the "Big C" has touched my life. It tried to destroy the strongest, most giving woman I've ever known, my mother. Three years ago, my Mommy* was diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer. There were two hardened lumps attached to her breast tissue. Surgery was set with chemotherapy soon to follow.
For as long as I live, I will never forget how helpless I felt as I sat by my Mommy's bedside, waiting for her to wake up. It's a horrible fear, to see your parent so still and cold. I wouldn't wish it upon anyone. And yet she did awake from surgery with her gracious humor still intact.
As I watched my Mommy struggle with recovery, chemo and the shameful side effects, I grew very angry. My Mommy is a good person. She's kind, caring and generous. Why did this happen to her? The more I thought about it, the more maddening red rage I began to see. Why do such awful things happen to good people?
To prove their character.
People are people. Some people do horrific actions. We call them monsters, killers, terrorists and scum and punish them accordingly.
Other people do good deeds. We call them nice, sweet and (if we're lucky) friends. When people face intense challenges, we call them something different.
We call them heroes.
My Mommy is my hero. She faced a gruesome illness, met it face-to-face and beat it. She remains the kind, caring woman I continually strive to be. And now when I look at her, there's a silent yet recognizable inner strength about her. Being a part of her recovery has been for me an honor of the highest regard.
The true meaning of strength isn't about how much we can bench press or how far we can run. Although physical strength is certainly healthy for our bodies, it is the strength of character that shines through our pores, inspiring and motivating others we come in contact with.
No one ever said that life was fair and I would never disillusion you by saying otherwise. When a challenging obstacle gets thrown in your path, use your anger, frustrations, rage and fears to better the situation. Prove to yourself how strong you truly are. You will be amazed at the wonder of you!

*Yes, I realize this term immediately declassifies me to that of a six year old. I don't care.