A very happy birthday to my Dad, Ray Powers who is turning 75 today and continues to be my inspiration and mentor. Having survived five (yes, five) different cancers, heart disease and diabetes, Ray Powers is what my Mom lovingly calls (her) “Miracle Man” and it couldn’t be closer to the truth.
Do you want to know something even more interesting about Ray Powers? Despite life’s obstacle-ridden road, he is probably the most positive and happy guy you’ll ever meet. There is something to learn from a man that has survived so much and still has a twinkle in his eye.
My Dad’s approach has impacted my outlook on life and motivated me to spread a message of health and wellbeing to anyone that will listen. I am a believer in bending parameters, but I also have one heck of a teacher and want to share what my family has learned to beat the odds. You may know someone going through challenging times and there is nothing like a story of survival to sustain much-needed hope.
With a big smile (as you can see), a great sense of humor and loving heart, my Dad was not the type to feel sorry for himself. Instead, when diagnosed, he proactively questioned what was next, what steps he needed to take and how he could increase his chances of survival. Even with stage four cancer, a bone marrow transplant, rounds and rounds of chemotherapy, blasts of radiation, open heart surgeries, countless medications and doctor appointments, his tenacious spirit always prevailed. From Dad, I learned the first step to success is to have the attitude that you can do it.
The journey has been incredibly hard and I know my family has felt beaten down. Imagine going through years of treatment, thinking a chapter is (hopefully) closed and having cancer knock on the door yet another time (and in our case many more times). Sometimes the knock isn’t even heard, it’s discovered by tripping over a root, as if by a fluke. It felt never-ending and filled with anxiety, but guess what Ray Powers’ attitude was? We’re going to get through it, we’re going to start now and we’re going to stay positive. He as the “patient” was coaching us as a family! It turned out, that optimistic spirit was his fighting chance. Keeping positive individually and as a family was pivotal in restoring my Dad’s health.
That smile I mentioned? My Dad is charming and is the type of guy that will have the store clerk cracking up while he’s buying his groceries. The other day Dad and I were at the market together (buying healthy veggies, I might add) and someone randomly hugged my Dad, “Ray! How are ya?!”, followed by a big pat on the back. The person was so joyful and happy to see my Dad. As Ray’s daughter, I’m used to everyone liking my Dad. Even at high school volleyball matches, all my teammates had to say hi to my Dad. Why? Because he’s fun, makes you laugh and is a positive light to be around. That lightheartedness even carried over to hospital stays! Joking with doctors and nurses, he brightened his surroundings and made the best of what could be considered the darkest of times. Keeping a sense of humor certainly didn’t hurt my Dad’s health, in fact, I think it was another factor that aided his recovery.
Teaching me to fly a kite and navigate life!
With that sense of humor and positive attitude, I remember my Dad asking doctors lots and lots of questions. I adopted this with my own health concerns and found I didn’t always like the answers. Not every doctor has the right path for you. My Dad encountered this, I have encountered this and have heard many others that feel a doctor’s advice is not always the “end all, be all”. That said, find a doctor that speaks your language which you have the utmost confidence in. Do you understand the why? Did you ask what you’re up against? Do you want a doctor that is positive or casting doom and gloom? My Dad and I are of the same mindset: find the doctor that has the confidence to beat the odds. Would you go into battle with someone that doesn’t know how to take charge? Not me! I want a doctor with a plan and a solution in sight.
As a much-loved guy, my Dad was flooded with prayers from family, close friends, distant friends, acquaintances, church parishioners, and strangers. As a family, we believe the power of prayer worked full time behind the scenes to heal my Dad. We’re talking numerous prayers! I have a distinct memory when my Dad was going through a bone marrow transplant (as an eleven-year-old girl) my prayers comforted me most. I would pray and pray and pray for my father’s health until I fell asleep. It felt powerful and oddly tangible as if they were manifesting into something greater. My family is still touched and grateful for the many prayers my Dad received. Prayers are potent and pack the biggest punch. Prayer is also one of the kindest things you can bestow on someone in need, whether you know them or not!
My Dad has shaped the way I look at my life, how I face challenges and my determination to defeat the odds. He is my role model and personal hero. Dad has proven to me time and time again, that you can indeed overcome impossible odds. Facing my own health challenges of Hashimoto’s and Lupus, it is no wonder to me that I found a way to put my Lupus in remission. I inherited that “fight” and refuse to feel sorry for myself. My language does not include the word “can’t”, it’s I CAN and I WILL. I will find a way. I will defeat the odds. I am Ray Powers’ daughter after all.
Happy birthday, Dad. Thank you for being the light that you are.
Want More Inspiration For Your Health Journey?
