Chemo infusion number three happened on Tuesday.
Acts of kindness lift us up, don't they? I had a vivid reminder of this three weeks ago while sitting in an ER for a possible small brain bleed. That sounds mighty dramatic, but I am convinced until proven otherwise that the doctors were over-reacting. Follow-up will be at the end of November. I'm not worried.
While waiting in an uncomfortable ER bed for 22 hours, I texted out the situation to my posse. One friend, Stephanie, immediately texted back, asking what she could do. My first response was to say, "Just pray." But then I remembered how much Stephanie loves flowers...and loves to give them. So I texted her a picture of my ugly ER view and told her that I'd love to have fresh flowers for a better view when I got home.
A few days later, my friend Zandra told me how happy Stephanie was that I'd ASKED her do DO something specific, something related to what she loves, something that filled her with joy. Zandra has driven our son Jack to classes a few times now when his regular ride could not. I get a single rose delivered every Monday...no name, just the words "Keep looking up...He's got you." George's employer has dropped Kroger on us three times, and others have brought sweets, soup, lasagna, cakes, flowers, tea, and other lovely gifts.
Too often, we put people off. "I'm fine." "No, we're good." But we are not fine, and we are not good, and we need each other's acts of kindness. There are no small acts of kindness. Even the most humble dandelion flower handed to us by a child fills our hearts up and makes us feel better.
Don't hesitate to ask for those small things that might help. Don't steal someone else's blessing by saying, "We don't need anything."
Ask for those small acts of kindness. You might even get a HUGE rose and hydrangea arrangement!
Mercy, grace, peace, love, and gratitude,
Susan
Oh my goodness Susan - whats happened - I seem to have missed a major loop .Wishing you a speedy recovery and yes if people offer help they mean it .Families are more than blood and genetics
ReplyDeleteWhat a stunning bouquet! The arrangement & color palette are so lovely... You're right about letting people help...after my husband died a few years ago, I had a hard time letting people help until one of my neighbors said how much her husband loves to help...and to PLEASE call him! Her sincerity convinced me to reach out a bit. I also had a neighbor who would call & say she was on her way to the grocery store and what could she pick up for me. THAT was incredibly helpful and appreciated. Thanks for keeping us posted on your journey. I do think about you often...
ReplyDeletelove everything about this special post except the cancer part.
ReplyDeleteYour cards are cuter than anything! The recipients will be so pleased.
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed your blog and your cards so much, thank you for being such an inspiration. I am wishing you a quick and thorough recovery.
Hello Susan - it's been a while since I logged onto your blog and I'm so sorry to read your news. I'm glad your cancer has been caught and you're having treatment. It's hard, but you will get through it. Make sure you listen to your body and rest when you need it (I still need lots of rest). But enjoy those times when you feel full of energy. I hope you don't feel too bad on the chemo and that it all goes well.
ReplyDeleteI finished my chemo mid August and radiotherapy in September. My hair has come back and it's all grey and I have curls - didn't have them before my treatment!!
I hope all goes well with your treatment. Sending positive thoughts. Deborah xx
Susan, thank you for the reminder to share a RAK at times. Its been a while since I've done something other than my "normal" ways. I'm going to send flowers today to a friend who is going through chemo for liver and bile duct cancers. Waiting to hear if she is at home today, then I will make a phone call to a florist in her town! Take good care of yourself.
ReplyDeleteForgot my name...Faye
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