Today 4/25/25 was another visit to the cancer center with my father. This time, my wife came with us for extra support. We had an early morning educational session scheduled before his new chemo treatments begins.
Normally, the clinic parking lot is packed and hectic. But today, it was surprisingly calm. One of the nurses mentioned that Fridays are slower — only one doctor is on duty instead of the usual five. My father, as always, was in good spirits. He laughed about the light traffic, asked about my kids, and joked with my wife, Sabrina. His lightness amazes me, given the road he is walking.
The routine was familiar now: I checked him in, gave his name and birthdate, and we were led into the large treatment area. Hundreds of blue reclining chairs filled the room, each one a station for hope, fear, and medicine. It looks almost like a factory — but what’s processed here isn’t just bodies; it’s battles.
Because my father doesn’t speak English, I translate every detail for him — including the long, sobering list of chemo side effects he needs to watch for. It’s overwhelming. Even for me. I know he absorbs what he can, but like always, he keeps any fear buried deep inside.
As I listened to the nurse run through resources and support options, my mind wandered to what comes next — not just for his treatments, but for my own path, with sentencing looming.
It’s a heavy thing to carry. But still, I am grateful. Grateful for this time. Grateful for the chance to walk these days together. Grateful for the love that surrounds us.
Our morning had started early — 4:30 AM. I rose to the energy of Khaos, our young Belgian Malinois, always ready to run. Before stepping into the day, I centered myself with 20 minutes of box breathing and meditation. I read and reflected on this morning affirmation, which set my mindset:
“I am grateful for this new day.
I am loved, and I welcome love into every part of my being.
I am calm, present, and connected to my purpose.
I trust my intuition — it never lies.
I am grounded in the now. Everything I need is already within me.
…
Today, I win.”
Those words weren’t just motivation — they were armor.
After the hospital visit, I completed a strong workout to reinforce the energy and discipline this journey demands:
12 rounds total:
1 minute jump rope
15 kettlebell swings
12 burpees
(Tallying over 180 kettlebell swings, 144 burpees, and a deep well of mental toughness.)
Every rep, every breath, every moment matters. Especially now.
I don’t know what tomorrow holds — but today, I chose to face it with gratitude, discipline, and presence.
And that, to me, is a victory worth fighting for.
