Mark Everett Kelly (right) is a 28-year survivor of Rhabdomyosarcoma. Here he is with one of the most intelligent men in the universe, Bob Boutcher. Bob is like a father to Mark.
Perhaps one of the most overlooked aspects of relationships in today's society is reliability. I can only speak for myself, but when you give someone your word, you should take such a statement seriously.
Among the many things that cancer took from me was my ability to be relied on consistently. I could no longer control some situations because of my health. I was forced to resign from my job at ESPN because I could not always answer the bell to work every day.
When you are 33, and you can no longer be relied on to do your job, because of sickness, that is a tough pill to swallow.
I always prided myself with keeping my word. Due to the onset of Crohn's disease and Lymphedema, any plans I make the other party knows it's contingent on how I feel.
After resigning for ESPN in 2008, it took about five years to understand how to salvage whatever talents I had to try and create additional income. At the time, I was still married, so I was able to be patient with myself. My ex-wife had a good job, and I didn't have to worry about surviving on just disability payments. However, since my divorce, I am now faced with a real challenge of doing enough to provide for myself.
Resentment multiplies in relationships where one of the union can no longer pull their weight. That is a horrible feeling to have. Many days I fight a battle that tells me I'm nothing but a burden.
My plan for survival included publishing my book and turning my sickness into a career. In addition to that, I blog twice a week and am a very good public speaker. I have a passion for sharing my story and inspriring others. I desire to show that beating cancer is not just about surviving the treatment, but taking back whatever this disease thinks it took from you.
I've discovered many things in the last year in trying to accomplish these goals. The speaking circuit is very competitive. Social media is something I'm trying to understand better and use to generate interest in my story. However, another thing I've discovered is that very few people keep their word.
When you are vulnerable like I am right now, you need help from others in many facets. Investing in yourself only goes as far as your bank account allows unless you find an investor that believes in you and takes on the financial costs of promotion and other areas.
While I pray for those doors to open, it's hard to expect others who mean well to keep their word when they are doing you a favor. It can be humiliating checking in and reminding others after they offered to help in an area of need.
How good are you at keeping your word? Can you be relied on to follow through even if you aren't compensated? While keeping your word might be a point of emphasis, others, despite good intentions, don't understand how much you are counting on them.
Perhaps it is just a phase in my life, but I've been bombarded lately by those who I can't take seriously. While I expect others in friendships, romantic relationships, and work relations to be dependable, that is a characteristic that isn't in much demand in today's society.
I'm curious to receive feedback on this and listen to others experiences with reliability. I know that the side effects of treatment made me very vulnerable in being able to keep my word. Not being in control of that sometimes can be very hard.
My prayers and thoughts are with you all.
WHERE TO FIND ME
I can always be reached by email (CKMagicSports@gmail or LivingAsACancerSurvivor@gmail). Please see the links below to follow me or contact me on social sites. I welcome (need) more followers and supporters. Please don't be shy about sharing your thoughts.