When Hope Is Lost

I had one of my nurses ask me today what I do when all my hope is gone. I was surprised by the question. I have pretty close relationships with my doctors and nurses, but most of them keep the conversation topics light. She told me that her nephew has had some run-ins with the law. His parents have pretty much given up on him, and she no longer knows what to do. She wants to help, but feels like there is no hope. She said that she came to me for advise because she knows my story. She knows all of the setbacks I have struggled through since being diagnosed with cancer. She asked me how I do it. She asked how I can keep my head up through it all. I could see the frustration on her face. I could see that she felt lost. I know those feelings well. A little too well. All I could tell her was to never doubt the possibilities in life. When we invest too much thought in what we think will happen in a situation, that's when the doubt comes in. We become consumed with what could go wrong instead of forging ahead towards the outcome we want. Those doubts bombard all of our thoughts, and take away our destiny. I know that it is impossible to never think about the hardships, and difficulties in each of our situations. I believe we need to let them enter our mind, but never let them take control of our thoughts. I told her that my escape is my family, my friends, my puppies, and my writing. I know that no matter what, I can count on these things to clear my mind. I can voice my thoughts and my fears without being judged. I can come out on the other side with a clear head, and a smile on my face. If I don't have the words to vent with, I know that I can go to my family, friends, or puppies for a hug. Sometimes a hug can mend our wounds more than any words could. I told her that if I was in her situation, I would let my nephew know that I am there for him through thick and thin. I also told her to start with a hug. Conversation comes with trust. Show him that she will never waiver. Show him that her love is unconditional. I am not a therapist, or a counselor. I have never claimed to be. I have been through a lot of situations most people will never encounter in their lives. All I know is what I have experienced. In my life, nothing heals you more than a smile and a hug from someone you love.