Like many people, my life has been touched by cancer.  I am not personally a cancer survivor but have had family and friends who have dealt with cancers of all sorts.  Some beat it, many didn't.  It is a constant threat lurking. 

My view of the world has been touched by terrorism.  I haven't been personally attacked by a terrorist but the attacks of 9/11 sure felt personal.  Before 9/11 I thought terrorism was something that happened in other countries.  Now I know differently.  It is a constant threat lurking.

Cancer and terrorism are both senseless, indescriminate and can change your world at any age, at any time.  There are some things you can do to feel safer from the threats of both but when you really think about it, noone is safe.  You have to know that you can't let the fear rule you and you can't dwell on it although there are constant reminders of the threat.

Today a neighbor my age, a mother of two small children, is battling cancer.  I am scared for her and her family.  I will do what I can to help and try to hide my fear all the while thinking, "That could be my family at any time."  And she and her doctors are battling the cancer.  I pray that they prevail.

Today American soldiers are fighting to help calm our fears of terrorism.  They are doing what they can to protect their families as well as ours.  I pray they prevail.