Once we’ve been touched…
I appreciate the kind words so much, but I truly believe we all do what we can to “lift” once we’ve been touched by cancer.
I looked at the man with the stack of books and thought back to my days when I carried the weight of cancer in my heart. It felt so heavy some days, it took my breath away. Any one who would have taken the time to say a few words to me would have provided a short pause, just long enough to remind myself of the world outside cancer. I hope our short conversation did just that.
I wish there was a place at the Cancer Center where care givers could go to pass through an invisible screen, where their worries would be left at the door and warm smiles would greet them with short conversations about anything but cancer. A place where a cool drink, a little music, a friendly face and a warm handshake would refresh those who work so hard to support their loved ones. This would allow them a few minutes just to be themselves.
That’s what we miss the most as we care and lift our cancer patients. We miss ourselves: who we were before our lives changed.
So, if we can help another care giver with just a brief “hello,” we’re really helping to remind them of a better time.
A time before cancer.
July 25, 2014 @ 8:05 am
Laurie, you are very sensitive to those caregivers as well as patients because you’ve been there in the darkness, doubt and fear that most are feeling. Perhaps in your participation with those doctors, nurses, admin, and other support staff, you could begin to encourage them to “reach out” with a kind word, a smile or a handshake to those they pass who look like they need it. Being attuned to others, even in the fast paced world of Hopkins, would offer them an opportunity to brighten someone’s day if only for a moment. Multiply that times the number of people who work there. Oh my. Each person sensitized to take the opportunity every day to lift someone’s spirit and encourage them.
You might just open a flood gate of kindness, encouragement and support throughout Hopkins. Kindness is contagious. Keep up your great work. Always know that you are making a difference. You will probably never know how much and it doesn’t matter.