Story originally printed in the La Crosse Tribune or online at www.lacrossetribune.com
Published - Monday, June 23, 2008
Larry Olson: When courage defies cancer
 Meg Harter (center) walks with friends and family in Pettibone Park during Saturday’s 10K “Walkin’ For Wishes” event sponsored by the La Crosse Jaycees. PETER THOMSON photo |
Dearest Meg, I didn’t know you, but sensed our visit would be special as I walked onto your North Side La Crosse lawn that recent sunny June morning. I was surprised to see you sitting at a table.
I inquired: “You must be Meg.” Proudly you replied: “Yes I am.”
I had envisioned you inside your home; instead you were outdoors having just finished hanging the wash.
You were enjoying life to its fullest. The birds were singing; you mentioned them. There were sounds of nearby traffic; you mentioned them. It was clear you were not taking anything for granted — anymore.
Being with cancer has left you with less earthly time than you’d like but it has made you acutely aware of life around you. Such joy — such poignancy in the moment. My eyes turned misty.
You triumphantly shared the moment you noticed your hair was growing back and recalled your shriek: “I have hair! I was thrilled, even though there were just a few of them showing through.” You gently flexed your arm muscles to show you had regained some weight.
To me, this was the show of a heavyweight contender.
You shared that you had said good-bye to your 98-year-old mother in April. She was tired, but worried that you wouldn’t be OK. You were strong, showed her that your hair was growing back and explained your weight gain. You had put her mind at ease — that it was OK for her to go. She went in peace.
Lord knows that fighting cancer can’t be fun. The pain, exhaustion, required rest,
certain diet. There’s no doubt that you’re up to conquer what you’ve been handed. Even so, there are times you just have to do what pleases you. “One day I had this craving for an egg roll. In fact, I had two of ’em, ate ’em fast. Boy did I pay later!”
Quietly, I thought: “But you did something you wanted to do. You took a risk. Good for you, dear lady!”
For you, family has always been a precious commodity, but these days more than ever. Six-year-old grandson Denver suddenly appears and gives Grandma a hug and kisses. There’s no denying that this handsome lad melts your heart, Meg.
Son-in-law Andy, toting your half-year-old granddaughter, Isabella, places the infant’s portable “bed” on the lawn table. This little princess sleeps soundly; Isabella’s nearness warms your heart.
You are so thankful for daughter, Jessi, and her husband, Andy. While they’re learning to understand and cope with what is happening to their mother, they treat you with kindness every day, every step of the way. Your voice wavers slightly as you praise them. Life seems so precious in this moment.
My visit ended. I went to you and lightly patted your shoulder. You thanked me for being with you on this beautiful, almost mystical June morning. I turned to leave, knowing that you have enriched my life. Birds are still singing and the sounds of nearby traffic are real as I reach my car and sit in it for a couple minutes. There is time to give thanks for your most wonderful lesson in courage before I drive away.
Contact Larry Olson at larry.olson@lacrossetribune.com or address mail to him at La Crosse Tribune, 401 N. Third St., La Crosse, WI 54601.
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