Sandee Sez: J has all the qualities of an outstanding role model
- Sandra Ahenakew | October 16, 2014
“Captain my captain.” This is a line from one of my favorite movies Dead Poets Society and for me a description of my role model, my nephew J.
What is a role model? I think a role model is a person who is, honest, kind hearted, positive, respectful, passionate, generous, open minded and humble. I believe that at any time we can find ourselves surrounded by people who possess these qualities. Role models don’t necessarily have a halo around their heads, or wings on their back but they are good, kind people who set an example for the rest of us.
My role model has all these qualities. J has been battling cancer for the last eight years of his 23 years on this earth and he has done so with quiet dignity and courage. He has been in remission a few times, been through many surgeries and treatments and still he has maintained a positive attitude and a love of life like no other person I know. He is wise beyond his years and he is my role model – my hero!
Years ago I was also diagnosed with cancer and I remember it being the scariest time in my life. The blessing that I received from my diagnosis was a real, true appreciation for life, love and laughter. I start my days being grateful for everything that the Creator has given me. Someone once said, “I may not have everything that I want, but I have everything that I need.” Tapwe!
I have heard a cancer journey being referred to as “Riding the Dragon”, an accurate description for sure. J is a professional dragon rider, a role model for many cancer patients and healthy people alike. He embraces all that life has to offer and is living his best life every day.
Recently the doctors told J that the cancer is back and that there is nothing more that modern medicine can do for him. The chemotherapy is not working and they cannot treat him with radiation anymore. Most people would crawl into a hole or stick their head in the sand but not J! He married the love of his life this past August and recently moved into a new apartment with his new bride. He is getting on with the business of living and making good memories with his wife, family and friends.
J gives new meanings to the phrase, “don’t sweat the small stuff.” Let me share with you one of his recent posts on Facebook; “Every day I wake up and think that I am the most blessed person in the whole world, even though I might have one of the hardest lives, all that goes away because I get to wake up every morning next to the love of my life Sarah. I might wake up with pain or just not enough sleep, but still have a smile on my face because this woman is beside me.” Dude made me cry! At his young age J knows the beauty of life and love, he embraces each moment and I am so proud of the man that he is.
One year at a youth conference J was asked to get up and speak and tell his story. People say you could have heard a pin drop at the conference as J spoke about his life; imagine a room full of teenagers and everyone was quiet! That in itself is a miracle. J is a miraculous wonder and a gift to our family and all who know him. He encourages the youth to live a drug and alcohol free life. He is a true leader in our family and community. There are some truly awesome youth out there and J is one of them.
There are many people among us who are committed to making this world a better place. People like J who in his own small way, tries to bring about a positive change. He has had to overcome many adversities in his short time on this earth and has done so with grace and humility. Thank you, J for showing me how to live my best life, thank you for the love and kindness you show and share every day, thank you for teaching some of us how to ride the dragon.
Thank you for your emails and letters. You can write to me at Sandee Sez C/O Eagle Feather News P.O. Box 924 St Main Saskatoon SK S7K 3M4 or email.