Lincoln

About Lincoln

My Grandpa, Claude H. Sharp “Coach” died from prostate cancer when I was a little girl. He went through the process with stubbornness, a trait we share, trying to keep the truth from everyone because he did want anyone to worry about him. He was the strongest man I know, and being seen as weak was not something he would have wanted. But when we found out, it was after his first surgery. Unfortunately it did not rid him of the cancer. He spent countless hours in chemo and radiation with doctors, nurses, and when we were allowed, we were with him in the hospital as much as we could. But as time kept moving, his time was shrinking. He passed away as a veteran, a father, and grandfather, and a hero. The most important thing I learned was the power of strength and bravery that comes with the love within a family. I learned that we may not be able to save the heroes in our lives, but we can learn about acceptance, life, and peace. I learned that anger and sadness is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to last. I learned that sadness and anger of our broken heart is mended through the memories we have to remember and cherish. I learned that he would want me to live my life to my fullest potential instead of through fear, anger, and resentment. One of the hardest parts about caring for my grandpa, was the unknown duration of time. Not knowing how much time you have left with your hero hits you in the gut and tugs on your heart. A gut wrenching hardship was watching my father cry as he was losing another parent to cancer. And lastly, knowing that the man you look up to most, won’t be there at your athletic games, your academic accomplishments, or walking you down the isle on your wedding day. What surprised me most during the unexpected and devastating time, was seeing and hearing the incredible impact he had over so many students, teachers, friends, and athletes. He was a hero in their eyes, and he remains a hero in my heart today and always. There will never be enough words to explain to the point of comprehending unless you were there with me and my family, but there is a voice that should be heard and should speak up for the losses of so many incredible men that lost their lives to a cancer, in order to keep fighting for research and a cure. My hero lives within my heart. I hope the other little girls will be able to have their hero’s next to them.

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