Open Letter to Mesothelioma Patients and Families: Keep the Faith

• Joseph Belluck
• Faces of Mesothelioma, Uncategorized

Dear Family and Friends,

With an unpredictable disease like mesothelioma, there will be many ups and downs.  Sometimes, the ups are so high that it doesn’t seem like mesothelioma was ever a part of our lives. Other times, the downs are so low that we don’t see how anyone could ever come back from them.

That’s the tricky thing about life with or without mesothelioma. We never know what will happen in the future. It’s hard, but it’s best to take every day as it comes. If we spend too much time dwelling on those “what-ifs”, we will miss out on all the wonderful things happening right now!

Uncertainty is a precarious thing; there are two ways to react to it. One, we can focus on the possibility of a negative outcome. Two, we can recognize that we have no idea what will happen and pray for the best while enjoying our time here on earth.

One of my favorite Saints, Padre Pio, said, “Pray, hope, and don’t worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer.” Try to follow his advice. Pray for your loved one. Hope for the best outcome and think positively. And lastly, try your best not to worry. This might seem easier said than done, but it truly gets you nowhere and can only cause more stress to you and those around you. God will hear your prayers as He always does and will take care of everything according to His perfect plan.

My prayers are with you always,

Jen