Finding Strength from a Warriors Heart

Anyone that knew Dylan or the story of Dylan knows his strength. We have all learned from his bravery and resilience battling leukemia. As a mother while watching my son in his hospital bed I had so many questions for him.

Why aren't you more angry?

How have you accepted this path that was chosen for you?

Do you ever ask "why me"?

How do you have the strength to continue fighting?

Do you fear death?

and the list goes on....

But instead I sat and watched him sleep. I knew he was at peace, but how?

With each passing day I think about these questions. I think about how much he has taught us in his short 18 years to never give up fighting. I look back now and think his response to anyone going through a difficult time would be something like this:

I hope this message finds you in good spirits, although I know that might seem like a tall order for some of you, given the challenges life can throw our way. But here's the thing – I've been through some pretty tough times myself, and I've learned a thing or two about relying on strength, even when it feels like the world is crumbling around you.

You see, my journey hasn't been an easy one. I battled leukemia for what felt like an eternity. There were days when I couldn't muster the strength to even get out of bed, let alone face treatments and tests that awaited me at the hospital. And yet, through it all, I found a resilience within me that I never knew existed. We all have it!

Strength isn't just about physical prowess or the ability to lift heavy weights. It's about digging deep within yourself and finding the courage to keep going, even when every fiber of your being is screaming at you to give up. It's about refusing to let adversity define you, and instead, choosing to rise above it, time and time again.

But here's the thing about strength – it's not always something you can summon on your own. Sometimes, you need to lean on others for support, and that's okay. In fact, it's more than okay – it's necessary. Whether it's friends, family, or even strangers who become like family, there's a whole army of people out there who are ready and willing to help you through even the darkest of days.

And let me tell you, there is so much power in vulnerability. It takes courage to admit when you're struggling, but once you do, you'll be amazed at how quickly the weight lifts off your shoulders. There's strength in numbers, as they say, and when you allow others to share in your burdens, you'll find that they become infinitely easier to bear.

Of course, reliance isn't just about leaning on others – it's also about learning to trust in yourself and your own abilities. It's about recognizing that you are so much stronger than you give yourself credit for, and that you have the power to overcome whatever life throws your way.

So to anyone out there who's going through a tough time right now, whether it's illness, loss, or just the everyday struggles of life, I want you to know this: you are not alone. You are stronger than you know, and you have an army of people rooting for you, myself included.

Keep fighting, keep believing, and above all, keep relying on the strength that lies within you. You've got this!

Dylan Strong 27

Looking to know more about Dylan's story and how to navigate grief?

Georges Compass: How to Navigate Grief: Gervais, Amanda: 9798879548464: Books - Amazon.ca