Most all of us know that bad things happen to good people; life can really suck sometimes; and there are days when we all wish we could stay in bed rather than look into the face of you fill in the blank. But, as we're so often told, since it's going to happen anyway, why not learn from the circumstances.
At my age, I've had to make that choice many times. And now I'm again confronted with the opportunity... When Jennifer was first diagnosed with cancer it took me awhile to comprehend the enormity of it--of course I felt all the emotions of grief and sadness, but I think it was when I saw her hair begin to come out as a result of the chemo that I felt the gut-wrenching reality of it.
Today, I'm hearing another diagnosis for my youngest daughter, with yet more reason to wait and see what treatment, what exhaustion, what needs, what costs....
Already I see evidence of what I didn't fully understand before the first diagnosis--
1. Jen is a woman of strength and courage--she has been sorely tested and passed with flying colors!
2. Vic is there for her at all times; whether through laughter, tears, and more often, teasing, there is a pretty amazing connect in their relationship.
3. Katie and Jack--the kids grew up a lot through the first bout by stepping up to the plate through dish washing, laundry, cooking, and yes, a sense of humor, they were awesome!
4. Vic's parents and siblings stepped in many times to fill whatever the need.
5. Jen's sense of humor--sometimes caustic and most often self-deprecating--gives us all reason to laugh instead of cry or kick the cat...
6. I had known at least some of all of the above prior to the OJ crisis. But what touched me, and provided the learning-for-survival most was the rallying of Jen and Vic's friends. I see that in evidence already...
We are Kickin' Cancer's Ass...Together!!
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