Sometimes Angels Don’t Have Wings – They Have Paws
Eleven years ago I was diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma. If you or a loved one has been impacted by cancer, I don’t have to tell you what that day was like.
Almost to the day, Benny came into my life. He was small and all he wanted to do was be with me all of the time.
Since my initial diagnosis, I have endured five surgeries, had thousands of doctors appointments and spent time in and out of the hospital. Through it all, little Benny was always there for me. All he asked in return was an occasional belly rub and to be able to sleep beside me.
Last October, doctors told me the amazing news that my scans were clear and there was no detectable cancer in my body. But as my health improved, Benny’s health declined. He began to look old, was slower and became very sick. Just as he had stayed next to me, I stayed next to him, carrying him when he was unable to walk.
In February, six months after I was declared cancer free, Benny laid down beside me for one last time. I believe he took my disease with him.
He was – and still is my angel.
-Barry, Kidney Cancer Survivor
