THIS IS MY FIRST BLOG POST!
Start: September 20, 2016
End: June, 2020
My name is Michael J. Simien Sr.
First of all, I am NOT a writer. I started college but didn’t finish. I’m not an expert in any shape, form, or fashion. So… here I am. Me. Just trying to write a book.
Let me explain the reason (or the madness) behind this endeavor:
I am a talking, walking dead man.
For almost five years, I’ve been living with a diagnosis: Stage 4 lung cancer. And now, as if that wasn’t enough, here in 2020, I’ve been hit with a second diagnosis: mantle cell lymphoma.
Two death sentences.
Wow.
But… it is what it is.
Dealing with cancer treatment is no joke. But I intend to push forward, with my faith and mindset as my guide. All I can do now is be truthful.
I no longer fear death.
(I have to keep repeating that.)
I know God has been carrying me. I believe I’ll be around much longer than expected. Right now, I’m doing things I never dreamed I’d do. God pulls you out of your comfort zone to forge you into something else.
There is nothing particularly special about me, but I feel so incredibly blessed to still be here.
It’s strange, but it took cancer to make me truly take stock of my life. I’ve realized:
• I don’t have time for pettiness.
• I wake up each day with childlike abandon.
• And no matter what… I intend to live each day the only way I can:
With joy and love.
So… please pardon my ramblings. I hope to get better at this as time (ha!) goes by. Honesty is everything to me now. There’s no more time for games.
Well, except basketball. (Though some would argue that’s not my game anymore either.)
Peace and blessings!
UPDATE: THE JOURNEY CONTINUES
So… here we are again. Another chapter I never expected to write.
Bladder cancer.
Yep. That makes three different cancers now—lung, mantle cell lymphoma, and bladder. I guess if life were a game, I’d be collecting diagnoses like trophies. But this isn’t a game, is it?
Still… I’m here.
Still writing.
Still praying.
Still believing.
And here’s something I’m proud to say:
I published my book in March 2025.
Yeah, I actually did it. After all the struggle, doubts, and detours, I finished what I started back in 2016. That book is part of me now. My story, my scars, my faith, my fight, all in one place. And if it reaches even one person who needs it, then it was worth every word.
I’m not sharing any of this for sympathy. I’m sharing it because this is real life, my life. And I know I’m not the only one out here walking through fire.
But the fire didn’t burn me down.
It forged me.
I’m not afraid.
I don’t fear death.
I trust God.
Every single day I wake up, I know I’ve got breath in my lungs, purpose in my spirit, and stories left to tell. So I’ll keep showing up with joy, love, and honesty, because that’s the only way I know how to live now.
Whatever you’re facing, whatever storm you’re walking through, just know you’re not alone.
I’m still here.
And if you’re reading this, so are you.
Let’s keep going.
Michael J. Simien Sr.
Peace and blessings!
