A little over a year ago my life took a turn - it took many turns, actually, but one, in particular helped change the course of my future...
I discovered a girl.
She had just received the horrid diagnosis of breast cancer. A fighter by nature, this girl dug in, face forward, and met each challenge with a MISSION to communicate to the world during one of the most difficult legs during her (then) 39 year old journey... this FIGHT was met with courage, determination, honesty, authenticity and transparency of such magnitude that it rallied a Region, and lifted up a community. Transparency during the ups and downs - that is usually reserved for only the "closest of family" - this girl - opened her heart, her life and her battle up to the world...
...and the world followed her journey, loving her from afar and she loved them back.
Her parents both, died early of cancer... her mom was 39 when she lost her battle to cancer.
Officer Flora Ryan #139 :
diagnosed at
39,
OVERCAME cancer,
and today - June 22, 2011
is
40.
Forty.
When asked by someone clueless to the significance of this birthday: "how do you feel about being FORTY?!!" (as if it were OLD, or something!) Flora replied: "I can't WAIT! I want to be 50 and 60 and 70 and 80!!!!"
Puts it all in perspective.
I love this girl, this Flora Ryan. And how I respect her! Having watched her good days, rough days, and great days and all the changes in between this past year, I've seen in her a true Hero. a SHE-RO. She has taught me (her Elder , haha!) what FIGHT "looks like"... overcoming chemo, and radiation and all the side effects, while mothering children, and loving on her wonderful, newly-wedded husband and giving time and space to the world around her... then diving right back into work (her calling - her mission) - defending, protecting and serving our community with passion and drive... a bald-headed beauty now sporting 3 inch wavy hair - she plowed into life with a zeal and zest that shouted to the world "I am here! I am in! I am going to Fight Like a Girl and I am going to win!"
Today, at the ripe young age of 40, she did WIN! ... she is... and she will continue to shine the way and connect with those who, themselves, have a battle before them.
"Happy Birthday, dear Flora. You have shaken my, our world... and have enriched our lives... We had no clue how we, ourselves would be changed and inspired by you... thank you! Here's to 40 more as daily you continue to Fight Like A Girl! "
Copyright 2011 J. Allen G.
Judy,
Wow.....how great and a wondetful person you are! I remember you telling me how u met Flora! You have a beautiful amazing heart and how your words open ip so freely:) This brought tears to my eyes Judy God put yput you in Floras life and it is greatly appreciated! Love u judy;) -Steph
Posted by: Stephanie Radloff | June 22, 2011 at 09:06 AM
She is so lucky to have you for a friend Judy! And I am lucky to call you both good friends! xoxo
Posted by: Dominee | June 22, 2011 at 08:54 AM