Get your Armor, and your Friends.

 

^Blackmore's Night - Village Lanterne^

Monday, I saw both of my doctors.  Everything looked good on both accounts.  I will go back to Dr. Newman on the 21st for some scar revision procedures which will be done in the clinic.  This will require only local anesthetic.  I will get to see how he does it!  I know. That makes me weird. I don't care.  I am intrigued by how resilient the human body can be. And how frail.  And how precious life is.  How special each and every one of us is.  We are like snowflakes, with fingerprints.

Details aside, I had an experience last night which was humbling, if not harrowing.  I got a tiny glimpse into the lives of those who are fighting, or supporting someone in their fight, with cancer.  My experience with this tumor and subsequent surgery was scary enough.  Having even the smallest chance of a cancer diagnosis had us all scared to death.  I can't imagine having to find the strength to walk that road. So many uncertainties.  So many odds, stacked against success.  Some already lost their battle with cancer.  The ones they leave behind still fight the war.  

The effects of cancer don't disappear with a death.  They morph into a sickness of the heart.  They tear at faith and hope.  They make those left behind have to rebuild from the ground up from what feels in the moment like a total loss.  And the amazing thing is that they can.  They do.  They heal.  Slow, but sure.  They use their experience to help others, who are trapped fast in the trenches and the throes of war.  Battle after battle.  Exhaustion and fear often nipping their heels.  Somehow they persevere. 

And then they discover that someone they know is just starting their journey.  Their immediate reaction to this news is to reach out, no matter how bad it hurts to remember.  No matter that their heart is pounding out of their chest and their hands are trembling with the memory.  The comfort they have the power to give is unmatched on this earth, though it did come with a price. 

I got to be there, listening to this interchange.  The silent supporter of this valiant heart.  They spoke, and I listened, and prayed. .  It was like watching someone literally rise above the the earth, carrying a mountain on their shoulders.  Did they do this alone?  No.  But it was a feat of extreme faith, intense compassion and empathy, and a really great God. I couldn't have found anything I would rather have done with my time, even if I wanted to.  

God Bless you all.  And no matter what your struggle, remember:

When a person’s heart is troubled
Hanging but by a single thread
Do your best to mend the stitches
Wipe the painful tears they’ve shed

Never leave a person helpless
Trapped beneath their toppled dreams
Show them hope they don’t possess
Help find peace to break them free

There is always an escape from danger
Relief from the troubles that they’ve met
Help them let go of their anger,
When they don’t have the power yet

The obstacles of life take strength
To rise above and make it through
Moving mountains is a feat
That can quickly get the best of you

And, don’t forget you’re not alone

When a mountain blocks your way

Chances are, you’ll have some help

From a wounded heart you once helped save.

 ~Kimberly Williamson, 1999