Lovin the Journey

by R. Mark Holloway

Sheila Patterson is a strong woman. She could have quit five years ago. She didn’t. She stayed in the game. And she’s still in the game.

Her Stage Four metastatic lung cancer is now in her brain and bones, occupying space rent free. She and her husband Steve keep serving eviction notices on this unwanted and uninvited trespasser. Chemo, radiation, superb fitness, a careful diet and loads of supportive prayer from people who care, keep this athlete walking on the sunny side of the trail.

Recently, ten of us went rock climbing at Pickens Nose near Otto, North Carolina. Being at 5,000 feet wasn’t what had me feeling high. Belaying Sheila on the 50-foot rock face was my crowning achievement as a climbing guide. I’ll tell you more about her successful ascent to the top in a moment.

The hike out to the climbing venue is mildly challenging. Yet Sheila kept up with us…with two-thirds of her right lung gone. Let’s camp here for a moment so you can learn a bit more about her journey.

In 2018 a suspected urinary tract infection sent her to the hospital. A CT scan rudely revealed a mass in her lung. In September of that year the professionals removed her lower and middle right lung. Her father’s lung cancer took his life. Her lung cancer diagnosis wasn’t brought on by smoking. Her cancer was the non-smoking type.

She watched her father give up but Sheila decided she would fight. Sheila married a coach and she herself was a cross country and cheer leading coach. Smoking was never part of her lifestyle. Unfortunately, the cancer had invaded lymph nodes. Those are like town center for your body.

The lung cancer would spread to her brain and bones. But visiting at the White Birch Provisions with her, I never would have known it.

She is a strong woman.

“I want folks to know life is worth living no matter what life throws at you, even if it is stage four metastatic lung cancer. Getting hugs at church, all these other place, in this coffee shop…it’s wonderful, Sheila beams. “I want to be here as long as I can.”

Sometimes it’s hard for Sheila. After Steve’s fallen asleep at night Sheila cries. “I want to do so many things. I do ask ‘Why me?’”

She says those moments creep up about once a month.

But most of the time she is fighting back. Weights at the gym, yoga, walks and hikes with Steve all keep her head and heart right.

“You can always rest after the workout.”

How’s that for a great training attitude?

Mark and Carol Holloway are outdoor adventurers and love the thrills of rock climbing and hikes to waterfalls and exploring all of God’s creation. They own PropertyStewards.com and are passionate about delivering excellent care to the homes and property of their clients. For More Information call 706-949-5937

In 2018 the five-year clock began ticking. But she’s still here… living, laughing, praying, drinking Black Cherry Soda at White Birch Provisions, dreaming and hoping for continued happy marriages for her military daughters. “They know I’m strong spiritually and mentally.”

She says, “With all the radiation to my spine, brain and elsewhere, I should be glowing like a dang lightbulb.”

What does make her glow is talking about Steve. “He’s so tender and caring. I started dating him when I was 17. My mom Kathy told me, ‘You got a good one with Steve. Don’t mess that up. She still tells me that,” she laughs.

Typically, I present two awards when we are all done rock climbing. One goes to the best athlete. But the most coveted award goes to the climber who conquered the most, who overcame the most, who, against the odds, scaled the rock face and rang the bell at the top…mastering each finger grab and foot hold. The verbal trophy is the Belayer’s Award. Earlier this summer, guess who earned the Belayer’s Award. Sheila, let’s all reload and go again. You down? See you on the trail.