Woman Loses her Job, Her Hair and Her b*****s, but Then She Found Herself
49-year old Rene Syler, believe it or not, was the 39-year old who once seemed to have it all. She was one of the anchors on “The Early Show” on CBS and had just built her dream home with her husband. She commuted back and forth between New York and Texas to pursue her dream, not knowing about the struggles that were ahead.
First, she lost her job. Then, two weeks after losing her job, she had a mastectomy
I had to have a mammogram every year because I was at the age, but also because of my family history. Every year I would have a biopsy after the mammogram because there was always something that needed a closer look. It got to the point where it just wasn’t really how I had envisioned my life. And that’s when I made the decision [to have a preventive mastectomy].
Rene says that going through her trials made her a tougher woman and helped her to gain a stronger sense of clarity about her life. She went on tour with her book, “Good Enough Mother: The Perfectly Imperfect Book Of Parenting” to keep things going. Then, things kept getting worse.
Somewhere on a plane I got asthmatic bronchitis. I was in the hospital for three days pumped full of all this medication. When I got out, I had a meeting at CNN and I went right to the hairdresser and got my hair relaxed. A week later it fell out. It was really this journey of self-exploration and acceptance — that’s when I let my hair grow in natural.
She says that although she thought about going back on TV, she was a “woman of a certain age,” meaning that some opportunities would simply not be given to her. She then pursued her online career, with her blog and writing opportunities, along with speaking. Although her career hasn’t been what she thought it would be, she is finding that the situation suits her better than she would have expected.
I never ever thought I would be in this place. I never saw myself doing anything else but anchoring the news, and I certainly didn’t see myself working as hard as I am, or struggling the way that I am. I wish I had a dollar for every time I pulled into my driveway and broke into tears because I was like, “Is this going to work?” When you work for people your entire life, the idea of being able to do whatever you want, to be your own boss is a really cool and wonderfully freeing thing. Sometimes all of that freedom is scary, but that’s what I would say is the most gratifying.
Rene goes on to explain that even though she was put through a series of trials that put her to the test, she was able to keep moving forward with that which was in front of her and find her true calling. She lost her job, her hair and her b*****s, but she can now proudly say that she is glad to have found herself. To read more about Rene’s journey, click here.
Sometimes it takes are trial and tribulations in order for us to break free on the things that have been binding us for so long and we didn’t even know it.
I thank God that He has spare Renee to see what’s really important in her life. Sometimes we are so busy doing things that we forget what is really important, such has life, health, family, and peace of mind.
Renee keep moving forward, seeking God and all of His Righteousness and all these things will be added unto you.
Sounds like my story except I did not lose my breast by choice,I found a lump in both breast and they were cancerous, went through 6 months of chemo and lost my hair. My sister died from same kind of cancer the day after I started chemo and my brother died 8 months before (from cancer) These ordeals have reshaped my life. I passionately live my life empowering others to live and appreciate life. I don’t sweat the small stuff but wish I knew how to live like this before cancer. Renee God has so much more for you and age is not a factor. Keep moving forward and achieve all that is meant for you. One day you will stand on the mountaintop and sing your own song and others will hear and follow.
OMG I’m so sorry Jeanette for your losses. That cancer is an evil disease and I have lost so many amazing family members and friends to it, I found it hard to press on. After reading your story I now know that there really is a light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you and stay blessed!!
May God’s Richest be upon you Sister Renee.
Tyrone….
When I saw your pretty face, I said I know this woman, but from where?
After reading your testimony and all that you have gone through I offer my congrats for your coming out of the fire. You have been tested above and beyond the usual and God has given you the strength of a lion. Do keep on going on this walk of faith. God has more things in store for you and I believe you are going to be super blessed. Thanks for sharing your story. You have given hope to many others who may be going through their h**l right now. Your story is a break through which will convince others of the miracles healing by God’s way.
Renee, The God in you is shining through your strength. You are a beautiful God send. Remember the best is yet to come. You are a blessing to many.
God bless you my sister.
WOW,WOW, and WOW now that an ANGEL in the flesh GOD is so good to us HE send his angels all the time but we fail to see them. Thank Renee for sharing your blesingswith us. You’re already walking in God mrecy and grace. YOU GO GIRL!!!MORE LOVE TO YOU AND FAMILY
I’m so happy to hear that the lady can keep going in life and living her dream. At least some of us are able to move on after an abundance of hardships.
She had a good starting base. Sadly the majority of African American “blacks” never had a starting chance on any level, and the abundance of hardships for them started the day they were born, and followed them as a constant companion! You will find the worst of them on the streets, in prisons, cremated, and at grave sites. You will remember the babies that were made “crack-babies” because a government of (evil politicians and officials) chose to dump crack into our neighborhoods! You will see more despair because those same government “people” have destroyed our ability to get jobs in favor of “whites” and others, etc.
If there is one lucky person among us who can rebound after already starting off on top and with a college degree, then I guess we should at least be happy for her!
My aunt said that breast cancer was the best thing that ever happened to her. At the time I thought she had one chemo shot too many, but she explained why and I say so clearly what she was saying.
Young lady, I EXPECT nothing but greatness from you and for you to be a songbird for He whom got you through this. One day at a time is all we have and I am glad that you shared your story with us today. Blessings will continue to glow to you and through you!
Rene, you are such a dynamic woman who is full of life – making me smile with your comments. Thanks for you sharing your life with us, and telling us (men & women) to always keep up with our health – Much Love to you Pretty Rene!
Rene,
I can truly appreciate your story. As a breast cancer survivor I know how life can throw us curve b***s and you find yourself in situations that you just never envisioned. I was a newleywed (3 months to be exact), a mother of 2 and I certainly did not expect nor envision what was to come my way in the next 8 months. But God is good and I praise Him at all times because I have a testimony. I live life more fully now and I make the most of EACH moment. I am cancer free, getting ready to start my Master program in September and although my marriage didn’t sustain the “damage” that was done, I’m still fine and I’m grateful for journey. I pray that you continue to walk with God, He won’t let you down. God bless sis!
Best Wishes to her. I’m wondering if her marriage is intact.
God always sees us through the rough times
Renee ,
Glory to God for the transformation He has done in your life! I don’t know if you are a follower of Christ, but throughout the Bible we read many accounts of how God uses our pain as a platform to change our lives and show the world His transforming power in the life of man. As you continue your journey, I implore you and others looking to be transformed, to purchase a book entitled Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero. The premise of the book is that we cannot be spiritually mature while remaining emotonally immature. It requires, as the author put it, a radical countercultural shift in our priorities. It seems to me this describes what you have experienced thus far and if continued will surely lead to a better relationship with God, others and yourself. Enjoy the journey:-)
I lost a husband to cancer and nursed a physical handicapped daughter.
My daughter lived for 10 years and died in 1988. My husband was sick with other illnesses over a period of 15 years. God give us courage, we need to endure anything. Your story is a testimony to the great power of God love for us. “There is joy in the morning”
Rene Syler was one of the best anchors on that morning programs, and when they let her go, I stop watching,God be with you and your family always
Jeanette…You are blessed and highly favored. I pray to read your book one day. I am more inspired by life today because of you. I am so sorry for all of your losses. You are truly the example of faith.