One thing I learned from being a cancer patient is that this journey is so long, longer than a marathon, you lose cheerleaders along the way, but you pick up many more, much better ones, and often, the new cheerleaders and supporters love you so much, it is so surprising, you do not miss the old friends or old cheerleaders that have failed you. This is the one sentence that upset me the most among those who forgot to be real friends: Patricia, just call me when you need anything. Good gracious, how many ill cancer patients remember the list of friends they can call when they need anything. But here is my favorite thing I heard: Patricia, Im coming over with some food, is it okay to stop over? Many times, my pastor surprised me, sometimes, with something I really didnt like to eat, but you know what, just because he stopped over without me calling, I loved whatever he brought. Or, sometimes, one of two neighbor women would stop by like the time my sweet neighbor friend just stopped over without calling, and found me bleeding from my surgical wounds, and without even stopping to think about her small children or her own needs, she rushed me over to the emergency room like she was part of the 911 team. Through that she spared me from thinking of the long list of those who had told me over the months to call them when I was bleeding or passing out. So, next time someone you know is ill, dont tell them to call you when they need help. Either go to see them, help them or just forget to say anything. I think I am speaking to myself as well. I am hoping that when I am fully recovered, all of these experiences will help me be a better neighbor, a better friend, a better colleague, a better human being. After all, illness goes around.
Posted on: Sat, 25 Oct 2014 18:31:35 +0000
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