Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Jera Machuca: Lets 'Cope

... How does one cope with a situation at hand? Sometimes I wonder if everyone is similar in the way that we all find a way to cope when something goes wrong. I also question to what degree we allow things to go before we go to our coping mechanisms. Are all coping mechanisms healthy? I may not have the answers to all these questions but, I can give you an insight on what I have gone through and how it feels.
... When I found out that I had cancer I tried to ignore it. I didn't think about it and it was hard to accept the fact that I had a disease. I went about as I would normally and avoided any conversation regarding how I felt about our new discovery. Ignoring the fact I had cancer was not very helpful but it held off the moment of reality for me.
... With our new discovery of cancer I dealt with it in silence. I would not talk to my family or or friends about my emotions. Even when the doctors or nurses came in I kept my silence and allowed my mother to talk to them. The silence just helped me think and process the fact that I had to change a couple of things in my life.
... Once my hair started to fall out I was devastated. It was hard to lose what I thought made me pretty. So at this time in order to cope I used humor. The humor covered up the hurt that I felt. I would just laugh it off and act like it didn't bother me. It made me feel better and it made me realize it wasn't my fault nor was it a big deal to have lost my hair.
... Prayer was another way that I dealt with my issues. Knowing that there was a higher power that was guiding me and helping me get through what was a tough situation helped ease my mind. This higher power helped me realize that it wasn't my fault and that I can go on living my life.
... I believe that he will guide me to the right path and keep me strong. Coping mechanisms are his way to keep us sane and to help us get through life.

[Edited 28 September 2010 by Blog Editor]

6 comments:

  1. Jera, you're such a great inspiration to everybody. I'm glad you have found a way to cope. I know you're a tough cookie, and you'll get through this. Don't ever forget how many friends you have over here at the Stagg Line. We'll always be here for you, and you can always ask us for ANYTHING. Be safe,and I'm praying for you always.
    Love,
    Faith

    ReplyDelete
  2. Jera,

    We don't know each other, but I have seen you a few times on campus. My first thought when I saw you was, "She's pretty. She could be a model!" and my guy friend thought the exact same thing! I'm sorry that you have to go through such hard times, but like Faith said, the Stagg Line staff is here for you. Stay strong!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Jera,

    Your lessons are lessons for all.

    Everyone has to cope with something. For you, it just seems like so much more.

    And that means that we all can, and do, learn from you.

    Thank you for what you share with us! We all think about you!

    Mr. Bott

    ReplyDelete
  4. Rest In peace, Jera.
    We all love and miss you.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Jerbear... you are such an inspiration. You may have left this earth early because you have many things to do for God in Heaven but you will be missed until we all see you again in the sky. Thank you for bringing light to so many of our eyes. You will never be forgotten.

    ReplyDelete
  6. thats sad to know that just a while back she wrote this and now... she's gone, but she's in a better place now.

    ReplyDelete