Barbie Perkins-Cooper, Author

Yes, as a writer, I will proclaim that I am a news addict. For many, many years, I was a true groupie of the Today Show, but when they released Ann Curry from the Today Show, I decided to change channels. I did not know who was on Good Morning America until I started watching it, and I must say, I had no idea of the physical struggles of Robin Roberts due to breast cancer. Now, she is fighting MDS, myelodysplastic syndrome. According to the website, Web MD,

“Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a condition that affects the bone marrow and the blood cells it produces.

Your bone marrow makes different types of blood cells:

• White blood cells of different types, which are important elements of your immune system.” http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/myelodysplastic-syndrome-causes-symptoms-treatment

Today while watching Good Morning America, I cried while listening to all of the caring people who love Robin Roberts. Martina McBride truly proved what a wonderful performer and role model she is while singing, “I’m Gonna Love You Through It.” Her performance brought tears to my eyes. Those of you who read my blog on a regular basis know that I am a singer, and I love to sing songs that touch the heart. Today, I truly became a devoted fan of Good Morning America. I am praying for the speedy recovery of Robin Roberts and I pray that she will rise above the storms of  illnesses and show all of us that this journey will be not just a stepping stone for her, but an adventure into the true, admirable role model of a woman such as Robin Roberts is today!

The relationship of Robin and her sister, Sally-Ann Roberts, appears to be a rare, and close bonding of two sisters who are definitely more than siblings. I am so envious. I have three sisters, only one that I am close to, and I cherish her. How I admire people who were blessed to have strong family relationships. It has been an intense journey for me to set the past free and become closer to my sisters. I have only accomplished my goals of family relationships with one. The other two, I wish them the best while praying that someday our ship will come back from the intense storms and find the sunshine in life, not the sorrow. To quote my father a few weeks before he died from esophageal cancer, “Move forward with life. Don’t look back.”

I have followed my father’s advice and moved forward. I do not dwell on the sad childhood I had. I have grown to look for the sunrises in every morning and I have found peace by giving myself a positive mental attitude.  Every day I repeat the words I live by, “Today is a new day…make it great.” Sometimes I succeed, other times, I fight to pull myself up to smile again. Life isn’t easy, but it is the only life we have. We can choose to dwell on the past and the mistakes made, or we can pull ourselves up to ‘move forward with life.’

Robin Roberts, I will miss you more than I can express on this blog, and I will be listening every day to hear how your progression is going. I believe in the power of prayer. My faith is a strong one and I know when storms come into my life, all I have to do is to lift my eyes towards the Heavens and say a prayer. Today, I pray for you, Robin, as your journey into another chapter of your blessed life. God is with you. He has provided the life support you need in your sister, Sally-Ann. I am confident that your journey will be successful and real soon, you will look to see a rainbow that will fill your heart with the best of health. May God bless you and your family as you take this journey!

Robin Roberts, I wish you the best!