Traci
Just like the title of this post is only one word, that is how I would actually be able to describe Traci, with one word, actually several come to mind, survivor, inspirational, role model. Okay, so that last one was two words. But still, Traci was worthy of that description.
Sadly, I did use the word “was” in the past tense. Once again, my world of fellow long term Hodgkin’s survivors, has lost another member of our group. While most of us have a variety of health issues, many quite serious, we know our mortality is likely shortened. And there are two ways that mortality normally comes to an end for us, either complications during a procedure, or the body simply just decides it has had enough. And in that latter part of the statement, it catches us completely off guard when it happens, as it did with Traci’s passing. Just less than two weeks ago, she had posted one of her many posts for pet advocacy and humorous memes. Though as the rest of us, she had her health struggles, there were no signs that anything was imminent. And then the news came. She was gone. Traci was doing what she enjoyed doing, and then her body decided it was time.
Traci was one of the many who actually had more years of survivorship from Hodgkin’s Lymphoma than I do. She was younger than me when she was diagnosed, not even a teenager, yet her survivorship lasted fifteen years longer than mine has. Through her many health issues, her continued strength in survivorship was inspirational to so many. She was never one to give up, but also realized that there was going to be a limit. And that was something that she accepted. Looking back at a conversation that I had with her earlier in the year, that conversation actually came up. How much more can our bodies be expected to take.
As a role model, you would never have suspected all the health issues that she faced. Traci was a fierce animal advocate. Her close friends describe her as genuine, a “straight shooter,” and a true friend, especially for those who had no voice or enough ability to speak theirs. In our world of survivorship, she always provided encouragement, and as I said, provided her life as an example, to make the most of everything while she could. As I scanned through photos for her tribute, along with all the cat photos, there were memories of trips, ball games, music concerts, and so many photos with friends. Traci definitely did all she could, when she could.
Though we have never met, my thoughts turn to her husband. The timing of her passing, completely unforeseen, presented a very complicated situation. But perhaps even harder than that, pictures of Traci and her husband show a couple who truly supported each other, and lived for each other. My loss of a friend, pales in comparison to what I am sure he is feeling.
Traci, to say you will be missed is an understatement.
Paul's Heart 