Tuesday, May 4th, 2021

Day 4 - Ready to Tell Our Story

Today was the day.

We had been holding off on posting any information online until we had more answers. Now it was sinking in and a whole lot more certain: Declan had cancer – no question about it. 

We had informed close family members first before updating everyone else within our circles, but this was the day we shared our story with the world. We received an outpouring of love and support from friends, far away family members, and even complete strangers. 

This was the moment that I needed as well, to reach out to a local group of dads who always had the back of their community. Even if my neurotic anti-social tendencies kept me behind a screen for most of my interactions with them, I knew that if I just reached out, they would be there. 

Putting your story out there is one thing, but it is another thing entirely to ask for help. 

It has been far more difficult to determine what kind of form that help may take, but even sometimes if it is someone to chat with, or someone to lend a sympathetic ear, or someone who has been there before and can lend you advice, it is always worth it to reach out. 

Reaching out and being vulnerable can be a frightening thing, but it is truly a sight to behold when family, friends, community band together to help a family going through a difficult time in their lives. It may feel depressing, or downright alienating at times, but when you have people you can depend on, people you can trust, and people you can confide in, it makes a world of difference.