Cancer Support Group

This is the second time I am blessed to be able to attend the cancer support group. Tonight, I am moved by my friend who is hurting from her recent treatment, and by the gentleman who is going in for surgery tomorrow. I am sad to hear about a young man who has just been diagnosed with a terminal cancer and who is struggling to hang on. I am distressed to hear that someone I know is near the end. No food or water for the last few days. It is time. She wants to move on.

Make no mistake. This disease is a horrible plague that tortures and tears and torments. Some less, some more, all in more ways than one. It makes me realize how blessed I am right now to be where I am. Out of immediate danger. Out of fear of upcoming unknown procedures. Done with anxiety about the future. I am in a good place.

I can reach out my hand and hold the hand of someone going through places where I have been. I hug my friend who is in pain and whisper that it will pass. I have been there and I know. I can pray for people heading into surgery, for people hanging on to life, and letting go. I understand these places. Not that I have had to let go, but I had to be ready to do that.

I am sobered by the remembering, but not depressed. I dig in but am not overwhelmed. I have been granted that rare gift of eye opening insight that jars you from complacency and malaise back to reality. I am blessed.