Inspiration Station

marcoujor: One Day At A Time

10/18/2015

marcoujor

I am inspired by love that endures, even grows stronger, through life's challenges.

This post is dedicated to Dave Ligler - known to many as Cap, after his favorite comic book hero, Captain America.

The real heroes in this story are Dave and his wife, Linda Bilyeu, of Sunshine's Book Store.

In Linda's words, Cap was "a courageous man who never backed down during his prostate cancer battle... I am honored to have been by his side every step of the way. If we learn anything from Dave, he would hope it to be 'Never Give Up'.

July 6, 2015

Linda carries on the legacy and legend of Team Cap. I believe she will until the day she dies.

I was moved to tears when a signed copy of 'Team Cap's Prostate Cancer Journey' arrived in my mail a couple weeks ago. Along with the book, Linda sent this blue bracelet and some decals to raise awareness of Prostate Cancer research.

I wasn't able to put this book down once I read Linda's Dedication to Dave.

Page after page of this love story reinforces the dedication, determination and loyalty this partnership practiced. The mantra of 'one day at a time' was ever present in this diary of unconditional devotion.

While cancer tried to consume seven years of Dave and Linda's time together, cancer never defined who they were.

You will discover their ongoing focus on positive thinking, advocacy and even humor through every leg of this roadtrip.

I was honored when Linda asked me to write this memory of 'Team Cap' to include in this book~ her labor of love to and for Dave:

"As a nurse of over thirty years, my most valuable lessons come from the patients and their families. I've learned the power of love, faith and support is so much as stronger than traditional medical practice. Dave and his Sunshine show us all by their example how to face every day with joy, optimism and incredible bravery."

I highly recommend this book as a most worthy addition to your library. You may even have a friend who would be inspired or comforted with their own copy.

Linda, 'keep on shining'...I'm counting on you to be my Sunshine in the Forecast for a long time to come...

Click the links below for further information.

28 Comments

Sunshine

10/18/2015 08:24:14 am

Thank you, MM! I'm honored. I appreciate you sharing Team Cap's book and for expressing your thoughts so beautifully that you brought me to tears. I heart you!

Maria link

10/18/2015 12:06:25 pm

Dear Sunshine,

How I admire and respect you for loving your man yesterday, today and tomorrow.

I heart you too, MM

Gail Sobotkin

10/18/2015 08:27:25 am

Dear Maria,
I have yet to read this new book, but as one who followed Team Cap I have long been inspired by their love for each other and the way they have helped raise funds for research and helped so many others battling cancer.
They fought Dave's cancer as a team gathering the support of family, friends and medical staff and even participating in a moving hospital video.
Thank you for this wonderful review. "Team Cap's Prostate Journey" is now on my list as a "must read," inspirational book.

Dear Linda,
You are a bright light to the world, even in times of darkness and I so admire how you continue to keep Dave's memory alive and also support others on their own journeys with cancer.
You continue to be in my thoughts and prayers and I hope this book reaches many others who can benefit from your heartfelt sharing of Team Cap's story.
Love and Blessings,
Gail

Maria link

10/18/2015 12:10:17 pm

Dear Gail,

I so appreciate your heartfelt feedback to both Linda and me.

You have stood by Linda every step and as such, this book will tug at your heart ~ as it did mine.

Hope you're enjoying a wondrous fall weekend. Love and hugs, Maria

Sunshine

10/24/2015 05:02:48 pm

Thank you, Gail. I appreciate the support you not only have given me, but also the support you give others in Cancer Teamwork on Facebook. Your words inspire many.

paula link

10/18/2015 08:57:51 am

Maria, As I sob, I must tell you that your tribute to our "Super Couple," Linda (Sunshine) & Dave (Cap) is a true testament to the power of LOVE. Their long journey together, as told by Linda, is a profound inspiration of how strength and a constant positive attitude can be the miracle required to stand against an enemy. With their hearts open, hand in hand, they moved always forward and up. Linda's continual dedication and attention to detail created " Team Cap's Prostrate Cancer Journey." This book is a must read for all, that will leave her readers filled with the promise of faith, hope and love through any battle that threatens to bring despair. "One day at a time," becomes the mantra of Victory.
Linda & Maria, I love you. Paula

Maria link

10/18/2015 12:13:09 pm

Dearest Paula,
Your comments add a rich depth to this review...successful at misting my eyes big time.
Love you for you...and the way you love Sunshine... :)

Sunshine

10/24/2015 05:05:17 pm

And I heart you too, Effer! XO

Mike

10/18/2015 10:37:57 am

'Team Cap's Prostate Journey' is filled with the courage that both Dave and Linda mustered in their fight for seven and one-half years. Anyone who reads it is granted some of that courage.

Maria thanks for showcasing Linda's book here at Inspiration Station - how appropriate.

Maria link

10/18/2015 12:17:13 pm

Dear Mike,

You are such a support and assist to Linda, me and all the other writers you share your talents with.

Speaking of 'inspiring', I look forward to writing a review of your upcoming book ...

Thanks to you and all you do, mar

Bill Holland

10/18/2015 11:03:04 am

That was very kind of you to do a review of Linda's book. He sounds like a good man, a quality human being...we need more of them, not less. Well done, Maria....well done, Dave!

love,
bill

Maria link

10/18/2015 12:20:04 pm

Dear Bill,

You are so right about Dave...

...so lovely to see you here today.

Love to you and Bev too!

Martie link

10/18/2015 01:03:51 pm

Dear Maria

Dave will never be forgotten. I miss pictures of him, always smiling, in my Facebook feed. I love Team Cap's slogan: Cancer sucks, but Dave rocks. Linda is a shining role model for me and all of us.

Take care, Maria and Linda :)

Maria link

10/19/2015 10:11:26 am

Oh yes, dear Martie~
Linda is indeed a role model of courage and loyalty to me as well.
Wishing you a peaceful week with your busy schedule too. Love, mar

Sannel Larson link

10/19/2015 08:07:16 am

Dear Maria,
Thank you for a beautiful post and review of Linda's book. I'm hoping one day to hold "Team Cap's Prostate Journey" in my hands myself. I proudly wear my blue bracelet every single day, that Linda so kindly sent to me. Wearing it, I'll raise awareness of Prostate Cancer research here in Sweden. :)
When I think of Linda, this quote comes to my mind; “We must embrace pain and burn it as fuel for our journey.” I admire her courage and positive attitude through everything.
My love and hugs to both of you,
Sannel

Maria link

10/19/2015 10:14:11 am

Dear Sannel,
I believe Cap Dave is smiling from heaven as you raise awareness of prostate cancer in Sweden.
You are beautiful inside and out.
Love and hugs to you, Maria

Shannon

10/19/2015 08:52:19 am

This is a beautiful post, Maria! My dad had prostate cancer recently. I don't know Linda, but she sounds like a wonderful person and I am sure her husband was too.

Maria link

10/19/2015 10:16:17 am

Thanks for your visit, dear Shannon.
Sending my thoughts and prayers to your dad.

femmeflashpoint

10/19/2015 08:52:50 am

Prof. Mahreer,

It's always saddening to see so many people's lives touched by disease. In Linda and Cap's relationship, the darker aspects of it are well off-set by their ongoing efforts to bring awareness of the disease their own family fought.

That alone must be a great source of comfort and hope blooms when something positive and proactive is produced from pain and loss.

Thank you for the beautiful review,

femme

Maria link

10/19/2015 10:20:04 am

Dear femme,
I agree there is an ironic beauty when we are able to turn darkness into light through positive thinking, faith and love.
Linda and Dave's story is a stellar example for sure.
Thanks for your feedback and perspective.
Hugs, mar

Mary link

10/19/2015 09:13:23 am

Maria, you have always been an inspiration to everyone who knows you. Picking up the gauntlet for Dave and Linda is no surprise.
Linda's name "Sunshine" truly exemplifies the loving, caring lady she is that shows in her beautiful sunshine.
Dave was an inspiration beyond most. He handled himself with dignity and enjoyed his Sunshine everyday.

Maria link

10/19/2015 10:23:51 am

Thanks for your perceptive views, dear Mary.
I'm sure Linda is also moved by this show of support and our awe in how she 'stands by her man'.

Linda Rogers link

10/19/2015 05:44:56 pm

Maria-What a touching review of this book. God bless to Captain Dave and his loving wife, Linda. It shows how cancer cannot take away the love of family.

Maria link

10/21/2015 01:58:19 pm

You are so right, dear Linda.

Thanks for the visit and your insights.

Shauna

10/21/2015 07:00:51 pm

What a beautiful gift, Mar! Linda is carrying on Cap's legacy in her heart and sharing their love and strength with the world. I'm sure he's smiling down on her from his seat above.

Maria link

10/22/2015 06:12:44 am

Dear Sha,
Your comment captures the essence of the love and strength of Team Cap.
Have a peaceful day. Love, mar

Peg link

10/28/2015 08:32:26 am

Linda's resilience and dedication shine through to her husband throughout the pitfalls of that devastating disease that took him from her. Your inspiring words in this review and in the dedication of the book are awe inspiring and deeply touching.
Love and hugs to you both. Peg

Maria link

10/28/2015 08:56:25 pm

Dear Peg,

Your feedback to Linda and me is heartwarming and most appreciated.

Hope you're having a peaceful week.

Love and hugs, Maria