Having the opportunity to paint a picture of my experience with cancer helped me in two ways.
First, I was able to express and explore feelings in a new way without using words.
Second, I met other kids in similar situations, and we shared stories about our lives with each other as we painted.
My painting is of a tunnel.
Outside of it, life is peaceful and serene. This is what life is like before cancer or any serious illness comes.
The inside of the tunnel is a spiral of colors signifying turmoil, confusion, loneliness, and loss of control. The tunnel symbolizes cancer, treatment, pain, everything that comes with the disease.
At last, in the distance there is a light, AKA "the light at the end of the tunnel." If or when this is reached you can begin to heal and recover from the brutality of your journey.
You and your life will never be the same, yet that is not a defeat, rather a symbol of all you have learned.
Melissa Zimel, 16
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