What does bravery really mean? Is it the bravery to hold on when you know the end is close and the battle you fought so hard is lost, or is it the capacity to face terrifying things?
For a sixteen-year-old girl, bravery meant standing by her father, who never wavered even under the most trying circumstances.
A man by the name of Tom Mitchell told the following tale.
This loving father remembered his daughter complaining that she didn’t feel well and requesting to be taken to the doctor because she thought she had a sinus infection.
Yes, sweetie, I’ll come get you tomorrow after school. If you’d like, we can have supper together afterward,” he replied.
The next day, the two did enjoy dinner together, but it was not at their preferred eatery. Rather, kids were having difficulty swallowing the food at Fairfax Hospital’s pediatric oncology unit. These father and daughter would have more than 450 meals there together, not to mention the hundreds more in the years that followed.
Instead of a sinus infection, his daughter had a massive tumor that had gone to her lungs and collapsed one.
It was a genuine struggle. Even though they knew it wouldn’t be simple, they were committed to fighting as a team.
Hodgkin’s illness, stage four, was Shayla’s diagnosis.
Tom tried to convey to them what it meant to be brave and withstand the trials and problems life placed in front of them by purchasing two sterling silver “feather” bracelets and placing one on each of their wrists.
Then he made three promises: he would stay at the hospital every night until Shayla was cancer-free; he would wear the bracelet until then; and he would persevere as long as she did.
Shayla’s cancer struggle dragged on for years, during which she had blood transfusions, chemotherapy, radiation, painkillers, and more medication. Her body could not take all of this, and as a result, her heart grew weak and a defibrillator had to be quickly implanted within her chest.
Shayla was getting ready for chemotherapy one day when she started screaming, “Help me, Dad! I’m shocked by it! ..I’m shocked by it.
Tom continued his explanation of what had occurred. I drew her in and gave her my strongest embrace. It almost blew her out of my arms and stunned her once more. But I resisted letting go. That’s exactly how I hugged her, fiercely as I could. As swiftly as it had begun, it stopped startling her, and we hurried to the hospital.
As it turned out, the device’s maker had to recall thousands of them because they were malfunctioning, and Shayla’s chest contained one of them.
More chemotherapy sessions, blood transfusions, a botched bone marrow transplant, and more uncomfortable sleepless nights ensued. But until the very last, Shayla never once considered giving up.
“How in the world was I meant to talk to my sweet kid about this? How would I ever have the courage to tell my daughter that she was going to die? There’s a quote I once heard that kind of captures my thoughts. “Can a guy who is terrified still be brave? He can only be bold at that moment. I had to have courage for HER! Of course, I did have that talk with her, and despite how unbelievable it may sound, it ended up being the most incredible, lovely, magical, and fantastic conversation I have ever had in my life. I sincerely pray you never, ever have to have it. Tom gave a portion.
“Dad, am I still brave?,” she murmured in his ear.
Then he met her gaze directly and saw into her soul. He was aware that she was beyond tired of battling and that it was becoming impossible for her, but he suddenly came to a chilling realization. She exhibited bravery for him rather than for herself.
Shayla tragically passed away a few days later, but her father will always remember her bravery and strength.
Shayla, rest in peace.
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Shocking Revelation: Gayle King Spills Oprah’s Hospital Secret!
Following Oprah Winfrey’s hospitalization earlier this week, her friend Gayle King is finally discussing what transpired. Oprah did not make her normal appearance to present her book pick during the most recent broadcast of Oprah’s Book Club on CBS.
Rather, Gayle King gave author David Wroblewski, who was present in the studio, an explanation of Oprah’s absence. “I’m glad you’re here, and I apologize that Oprah can’t,” Gayle remarked. She declared yesterday that she would hold a rally. She was sick from head to toe with a severe case of stomach flu.
Nervously, Gayle King apologized, hoping that sharing that detail wouldn’t hurt Oprah. She wanted everyone to know how much Oprah valued being present, even if she was ill and was unable to do so. Gayle gave everyone the assurance that they would make up for her loss.
Oprah’s Book Club selected the author in 2008, and Gayle, Nate Burleson, and Tony Dokoupil had a conversation with her during the show.
Following Gayle’s mention of Oprah’s health, Oprah’s representative offered an explanation on Oprah Daily’s Instagram, stating that Oprah was unable to appear on CBS Mornings to reveal her next book club selection. It was said that Oprah was suffering from a stomach ailment, and Gayle, who is a close friend, took over to give the news. Following her doctor’s advise and receiving an IV for dehydration, Oprah recovered. Everyone hoped she recovered quickly.
Oprah and her crew released an official statement along with the caption. “Ms. Winfrey is recuperating following a stomach virus and receiving an IV for dehydration as prescribed by her physician,” the statement read. She is getting more rest and improving every day.
In a video chat with Gayle King later on Tuesday, Oprah said that she visited the emergency room for fluids rather than the hospital.
“I was at the urgent care facility. I was quite dehydrated,” declared Oprah. “My mouth felt dry, and I was unable to drink enough water to stay hydrated, so that’s why I went to the emergency room,” she continued.
Oprah Winfrey responded, “I’m not completely better yet, but I’m getting there,” when questioned about her health. She clarified that her recent illness prevented her from flying, which is why she was unable to appear on CBS Mornings.
Oprah went to the hospital for an IV drip because she became extremely dehydrated due to a gastrointestinal bug, as Gayle King stated in her post.
“I thought I clarified that, but then I noticed headlines stating that Oprah was admitted to the hospital. (She wasn’t.) And many people called to check on Oprah,” King remarked. She is, in fact, fine! And let’s hear her say it directly.
The good news is that Oprah is back to normal! Around the world, the 70-year-old is adored. To calm any Oprah fans who may have been concerned about her, share this!
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