#JournalGems
BIO
of Erik he wrote for himself (FOR A VIDEO)
Written by Erik Fall 2016
My name is Erik Gray.
Two weeks before I turned 16, I was diagnosed with
stage IV salivary gland cancer. The cancer was mainly in the layers of skin in
my neck. Over the next six years, I battled cancer off and on. It returned
about 3 or so times, I lose track. At one point, it spread to my jaw bone, and
we removed my fibula to replace that part of my jaw.
I've underwent 11 surgeries (including biopsies), 3
rounds of radiation, and I'm currently on my third round of chemo.
At the age of 22, I've been through a lot. Its been
the biggest trial of my life. I've had to give some things up. I took a
semester off, twice, and had to leave my favorite job at an ice cream store. I
served a year-long mission-- in which I had to put it on pause while I spent
six months on chemo.
However, if it weren't for having cancer, I never
would've chosen my current major. I never would have transferred universities
and met so many amazing people.
I don't wish cancer upon ANYONE! I do wish people
could see life the way I see it, because having cancer has taught me so many
things: Life is SO good.
Happiness is a choice.
God. Is. Real.
Sometimes it's easy to think "Why was I given
this trial?" But I've learned that I should be grateful... which may not
make sense: I'm grateful that God loves me enough to give me these trials. I'm
grateful that He wants to test me... to see how I can learn and grow from this.
Hopefully to one day, become just like him.
Heavenly Father loves us so much. He cares about
everything we will ever go through. His son, our brother, Jesus Christ
performed the Atonement so that we never have to feel anything alone. He will
help us and lift us up when we need it. My favorite scripture is Isaiah
40:31... "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and
they shall walk, and not faint." However detrimental my trials may be, God
is there. And one day I'll get to look into my Savior's eyes and say,
"Thank you... I couldn't have done it without you." And that is what
keeps me going.
