Weve got no control over what happens to us, but we can decide how were going to respond.
– Charlie Tanksley
Charlie Tanksley isnt bothered by much these days.
A typical day finds the 62-year-old local contractor dedicated to helping people with home repairs. But Stage 3A esophageal cancer blindsided him last year, forcing him to become the recipient of others assistance.
He made the decision to give it to God from the very beginning and said theres incredible freedom in powerlessness. Nevertheless, it was a humbling situation to accept others help after fixing problems for a living.
When emotion breaks his voice, its only out of gratitude for others.
Not accepting help is to deprive another person of the blessing of serving, he said. Just say yes.
Tanksley was put on a liquid diet following the removal of 65 percent of his esophagus and 20 percent of his stomach but he is currently treatment-free and has lower cholesterol.
For him, everything has an upside when you look at it the right way
even cancer.
Weve got no control over what happens to us but we can decide how were going to respond, he said. Lifes too short. Dont take anything for granted. If you love people, tell them now.
