What I love about the Olympics is the profound joy captured. Sometimes we forget in the throws of drama that we ever felt that. Alysa Liu’s fantastic personality, generous spirit and pure joy and excitement for the figure skating gold made us all smile.

I happened to be in Miami airport when US hockey won in overtime and the thousands stranded with cancelled flights and blizzard drama forgot their distress for a few moments. The cheers flooded the airport as if each of us scored the winning goal. A moment to enjoy regardless other issues.

These times of national pride and so many more, even those who trained, battled but did not win hardware, are a gift as we extend our good will to others with pride in our hearts and admiration. I really love the interviews with parents saying they didn’t necessarily hope for the wins, they hoped their children are happy.

Youth does not have the exclusivity for exuberance. When Harvey rang the bell after prostate treatment, he beamed and we all felt his relief and excitement. It was his own gold medal moment. Then he surprised us, saying that it’s the second time. How so? He smiled even broader and said that he rang the bell at the shelter when he adopted his now beloved abandoned senior dog.

Moments like these remind us that you will rejoice, laughter will lighten, and you will heal your heart, often.

Cancer cannot steal your exuberance. There is opportunity for more moments ahead and you are well prepared to recognize and celebrate them. For those and their families facing comfort care and leaving active treatments, know that even at this time, you have control. Patients still hear long after they cannot respond. Pain control is paramount and well managed in hospice care. Holding a hand and kissing a forehead gives strength to the person for their next journey.

Be strong my friends. Celebrate with exuberance. Recognize and honor your own strengths, make good decisions to help another move on. During and after treatment regain control through PT to enhance your own abilities. Never be a victim. Power is always yours.

Note: As national cancer screening month of February come to a close, take the reminder to screen and prevent cancers. The most common cancers can be screened for so don’t blow them off: breast, prostate, colorectal, skin, and now lung… at least X-ray even for non-smokers. Treatment is in the doctor’s hands, prevention is in yours.