“The Light”
Sarah Lamrand
Houston, TX
Survivor
Twist on Cancer: Since my diagnosis in July 2023, the dreaded “Why?” swirls through my thoughts.
Why did I get a rare cancer? Why is the chemotherapy not working? Why am I neutropenic? Why?
Now I’m navigating the complicated road of survivorship in my 30s, and the stormy river of unanswerable “whys” continues to flow. Why am I allowed to live when another cancer friend dies? Why was my cancer caught at stage 3 while another friend my age is fighting stage 4?
I’m trying to live with these unanswerable “Why’s” and also allow new “How’s?” to guide me.
How will I live, not letting the unknown fear of recurrence steal my joy? How will I live this life’s adventure?
Today I choose to focus on the small joys, the glimmers, the little everyday moments of happiness like a latte at my favorite coffee shop, a beautiful bouquet of wildflowers, or the breeze on my face. From dancing in the kitchen together while stirring a pot of sauce to admiring a rainbow with my sister, to jumping off a sailboat with new friends, to connecting with my artist Annie, I feel joyfully alive.
Each day, I am working on living the questions and appreciating the present. In seeing darkness, pain, suffering, and the fleeting nature of life, I recognize the bright light of small everyday joys. These small joys are everything.
Even in times of darkness, there is a little light.
Annie Arnold
Wapello, IA
@annie.shenannies
“The Light”
Acrylic on wood panels
2 – 14” x 12” x 3/4” hexagons
$150
Artist Statement: When the clouds roll in and the storms are threatening to engulf our entire being, it can be difficult to find the light. Sarah had this uncanny ability to find the smallest rays of hope to weather the storms during her sarcoma diagnosis and treatment. I am in utter awe of her courage and resilience through each stage of this terrifying experience. The image of a blue-eyed ground dove came from a poem Sarah shared with me early in our friendship. This beautiful bird has a familiar story of near extinction, resurgence, and perseverance despite the odds. I hope this art piece becomes a reminder that when you are weary and have lost your way, there’s a light waiting for you in the dark.