Than Boutelle
Family
Rochester, MN
Biography
Than Boutelle speaks about two experiences with cancer which afflicted and took away two mothers in his life. He recalls the differences between their illnesses and care, the monetary effects, and his support systems in healing through his family, friends, and church community. Detailing the process in terms of his pain and healing, he finds that the best connection is achieved with those who have also been affected by cancer and have a similar perspective. He wishes for those like him to cherish the gift of love brought by the time spent with a loved one with cancer.
Be strong
No matter what kind of cancer you go through, just be strong. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. There are not words, but God will provide. My dad always said there’s a new future even if somebody has passed away. You might be lost, but He up in the sky, and who made us will always guide us. Just be positive even if it’s you who might have to sit through their treatments with them and see their pain and suffering.
hard road
It has been a hard road. I am lost because my mothers passed away. Two of them are not alive because of it. Could there be a cure? No. There’s no cure when it goes to the brave. They did surgery, they took out what they could, but there was another one. That’s the hardest, knowing that you are not going to be alive and facing this disease that will impact everyone. Am I lost? Yes. Is there pain there? Yes. Can I overcome it? Yes. If anybody has to deal with cancer and know what they’re going through, it’s not an easy road.
empathetic friends
I have three friends that have dealt with cancer. I’m not judging people who have not been through this, but when you have a true friend that will be there and has not gone through it, it’s kind of hard to see what they’re grieving to. I’m not judging my friends because they don’t understand, it’s just a hard concept to have them understand and reach out the right way.
Where do you find the un-lost? There are no words. Where do you find where the true love is? Where do you find belonging back again? Where?