Under most circumstances, a person has no input on when he is born and no input on when he dies. The quality of the interval between, however, is very much dependent upon the choices a person makes.

Some of us waste a lot of time wondering about why various circumstances and events are the way the are. That wasted time impacts the quality of the interval between.

Some of us waste time struggling with anxiety that usually accompanies the preoccupation with why things are they way they are. This wasted time impacts the quality of the interval between.

Others of us choose to focus on what really matters. Those who do this are courageous enough to love, daring enough to give and brave enough to recognize our own weaknesses and limitations. This choice also impacts the quality of the interval between.

I read with interest this past week the stories of cancer survivors in the newspaper's "Think Pink" tab.

Norma Monroe views a tumor as a blessing and thought losing her hair was insignificant in her battle against cancer -- a battle she is winning.

Glenda Horner has set an example of hope and perseverance for others during her battle with cancer. As staff writer Deanna Coronado put it, "Cancer has not won in the life of Glenda Horner, only motivated her to fight back and encourage others to do the same."

Misti Edmonston has demonstrated a positive outlook during her battle with cancer. Her determination and faith are providing victory for her in her cancer battle.

These three cancer survivors apparently chose to focus on what really matters, serving as testimonies to us that the interval between can be of quality in spite of the challenges that accompany it.

Jack Rollins is the managing editor of the Daily Dunklin Democrat.