 A brave front ... Sam and Jim Stynes face the media to say he`s stepping aside as Demons` president. Picture: David Caird |
JIM Stynes` wife Sam has declared her absolute faith in his fighting spirit as he enters hospital today for cancer treatment.
The 1991 Brownlow medallist will spend a week in hospital and two more in therapy after learning a cancerous lump on his back has spread to other parts of his body.
Here Sam Stynes writes of her family`s three weeks of turmoil since the diagnosis, and why they`ll stay positive:
"THREE weeks ago life was chugging along as normal.
Life was fast, with Jim and I juggling our commitments to do with all aspects of our lives.
As it is for most families with young children, there never seemed to be enough time in the day.
But the chaos of combining our kids` lives, the Melbourne footy club, the Reach Foundation, family and friends, and work, in general, was enjoyable.
Jim and I spent a lot of time in the pressure cooker, sometimes bickering out of tiredness, but mostly enjoying being with our kids and laughing at how ludicrous our fast-paced lifestyle had become.
We were happy functioning within what had become like a second family, the Melbourne Football Club.
Bonds with many new people were being formed and alliances with old mates were being reignited.
We have one thing in common, and that is to continue working hard as a team to re-build the footy club and ultimately to win a premiership.
I do not claim to know anywhere near all the ins and outs of football. However, over the past year, I have grown to really enjoy the game and appreciate the great joy Melbourne brings to its thousands of members and supporters.
In recent weeks it does feel as though the rug has been abruptly pulled out from beneath our feet.
Never in our wildest dreams would Jim and I have realised what was around the corner.
I guess you never think that such things will happen to you.
Like a swift slap in the face that leaves a burning sting, our world unexpectedly just fell apart.
I have been asked several times if Jim and I are putting on a brave front.
Of course we are. What choice does one have under such circumstances.
Self-indulgence and narcissistic thinking has a role to play when riding the waves of extreme negative emotion.
But reality suggests the only way out of this is to have a positive frame of mind.
The loss of control over our lives is incredibly disempowering.
We are, however, adults who have been fortunate to live extremely rich and fulfilled lives so far.
What is hardest is when we both look at our two beautiful young children and want so desperately for them to grow up with two parents.
Matisse and Tiernan are our biggest inspiration to beat this. If anyone can beat this, Jim can.
While there is no doubt that what our family is facing will be a huge journey, we are also very aware that there are many families and kids who are experiencing far worse situations.
For the moment our family is living deeply, every moment. We are more connected to each other and aware of what is important in life - love, family and friendship.
Lastly, "Go Dees" this week.
Share your words of support for Jim Stynes at the Herald Sun
