02-Oct-2018
Hi Everyone,
By now you have hopefully read my post and have viewed the YouTube video informing you of my condition. I knew from the very beginning that somehow I would share my journey but I prayed for a way to do so in a purposeful manner and I'm thankful for the vision and the people who love me that helped me to execute it! I want you to be inspired to take the time to be concerned about YOU. I am learning what it means to do just that! As you can imagine hearing the words that "You have cancer" is life altering. I felt like I was living someone else's life. Like, "me?"..."come again say whaaaa?". I could not think straight and could not eat well for at least 5 days after finding out. Everything felt like absolutely nothing at all. That is the best way to describe it. What I can tell you is that going to Church, singing songs about healing etc; is one thing, but to be faced with a choice to believe in what you have been professing all of these years is a whole *nother story! (Ebonics intended)! To profess with your mouth and believe with your heart, your entire soul, everything you've got, is what it takes to win this fight. I am so thankful to God for how he made me! I'm goofy, extremely corny, I love to laugh, I love people and I just like to bring peace and joy with me. Being tough is not always having the persona of "oh she takes no prisoners," or "she will tell you off". For me, being tough is being able to push through to laughter when you feel like your bones have aged overnight to that of a 100 year old, to feel your body change and still have a joy and peace about you even through the tears. It's being able to cry your heart out because it hurts and it sucks, but drying your eyes because you know what's on the other side.
Hi Everyone,
By now you have hopefully read my post and have viewed the YouTube video informing you of my condition. I knew from the very beginning that somehow I would share my journey but I prayed for a way to do so in a purposeful manner and I'm thankful for the vision and the people who love me that helped me to execute it! I want you to be inspired to take the time to be concerned about YOU. I am learning what it means to do just that! As you can imagine hearing the words that "You have cancer" is life altering. I felt like I was living someone else's life. Like, "me?"..."come again say whaaaa?". I could not think straight and could not eat well for at least 5 days after finding out. Everything felt like absolutely nothing at all. That is the best way to describe it. What I can tell you is that going to Church, singing songs about healing etc; is one thing, but to be faced with a choice to believe in what you have been professing all of these years is a whole *nother story! (Ebonics intended)! To profess with your mouth and believe with your heart, your entire soul, everything you've got, is what it takes to win this fight. I am so thankful to God for how he made me! I'm goofy, extremely corny, I love to laugh, I love people and I just like to bring peace and joy with me. Being tough is not always having the persona of "oh she takes no prisoners," or "she will tell you off". For me, being tough is being able to push through to laughter when you feel like your bones have aged overnight to that of a 100 year old, to feel your body change and still have a joy and peace about you even through the tears. It's being able to cry your heart out because it hurts and it sucks, but drying your eyes because you know what's on the other side.
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| Special Thanks to Mark Antoine Photography and to this special group of women who have my back, front, and center!
When thinking of what to name this blog, I could not think of anything better than to name it "Alton's Daughter". I am the proud daughter of Alton McDowell and Beverly Jason. My mother taught me all about faith in God, and my father was living proof of pushing through even when your body feels otherwise. My father had Sickle Cell Anemia. I want to be as strong as my father but I promise you that is a tough path to follow. On my worst days I will think of him and how he worked 3 jobs, sang, and carried himself all the while in pain. He was caring, hilarious and the most genuine person I've ever met! I love and miss him dearly and wish that I could talk with him. All of my wishing will not bring him back but I have so many memories of him that I will hold on to. I will remember who's daughter I am and that I am a child of the "Most High"!!! Like for real, no games! As I prepare for my 2nd round of Chemo, I am encouraged and motivated to continue in this fight! My family is like an army coming to surround me and lift me up in ways that I will be forever grateful and I will do my best to show it for the rest of my long long long beautiful life!
P.S. It is my intention to share the good, bad and the ugly! Its real life, it hurts, I cry but in the end I win....wait I've already won! Be sure to subscribe and follow me on Facebook, Instagram: @colaSings, and YouTube! Here's the introduction to my journey!: https://youtu.be/GBwcehgnSZs |
Thank you for sharing your journey. Thank you for showing courage, hope and above all, faith. God Bless you and I pray for your peace as you embark on this new chapter in your life. Love always.
ReplyDeleteColandra, thank you for sharing your story- for you are and will continue to be an angel to many. Your grace and faith are undeniable, your strength is encouragable and your transparency and honesty are inspirational. In a world where social platforms are abused, thank you for stepping up and using your journey to be a positive role model and to be an example for the world and me what GRACE looks like. Only God can provide that in the midst of our troubles. I will continue to pray for your healing and strength. 💖
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