Question for Bernie:

My mother has been sick for many years on and off. It first started with breast cancer back when I was in high school. She beat it and was fine for about six years. Then for the past three years she has had different cancers on and off. It started with this weird lung cancer. . . I never quite understood, but apparently it was related to breast cancer (she doesn’t smoke). She actually hid it from my brother and me for a year, because she tried healing herself first. Ever since the first time she got cancer, she’s been working on herself, meditating, learning to love herself and her life, and even reading your books/listening to your CDs!

When it got really bad with her lungs, she did undergo treatment. Then, last year they found lesions on her bones. She underwent treatment for that, too. Also last year, my brother found her having a seizure. We found out at that time that she had several brain tumors. So the past year was the hardest, but she never gives up; she still is listening to all of your advice.

We were told she was in remission just a couple of months ago and then, out of the blue, things got bad again. Some of her brain tumors are back and she has a new tumor on her spine. She is nauseous and can hardly walk. I just don’t understand why this is happening. Does this mean that once you get cancer it just keeps coming back and is worse each time? I feel like she has been doing everything you say and more.

You have no idea how wonderful my mother is. She is my best friend, my idol. She is so strong. She has eaten a healthy diet her whole life, doesn’t smoke, or do other things that would hurt her. She tells me she loves herself, her body and her life, something that she has been working on for years. I just don’t understand why someone so precious has to go through all this. I do believe in everything you talk about, being positive and all that, but why isn’t my mother any better? It seems like following your advice is not doing anything. Thank you for reading my question.

Bernie’s Answer:

Your mom is your teacher—learn from her. Your mom is teaching that you shouldn’t be afraid to take responsibility and participate in your life and health.

The problem is that life is not unfair, but it is difficult. Everyone does die no matter how many things we do right. The only time our troubles cease is when we do die.

Only love is permanent and immortal.

There is always hope and miracles do happen, so help your mom try to heal and love as long as she wants to do so.

Don’t make it a war or battle against cancer—make it a healing of her life.

If I can help don’t hesitate to get back in touch.

Peace,

Bernie