June 25, 2020 - My Love Letter
This is the longest that I have let time pass by before putting my thoughts in the written word. I had a very strict idea for the next and possibly last three entries that I would write. Now, I am unsure on that number.
What has transpired?
We moved. We moved and it was hard. It was an emotional gut-wrenching move as we left some of our dearest friends. Friends that we will have for a lifetime.
We settled. We opened boxes, hung pictures, and put clothes away. We sprouted new roots. We are slowly making new friends. The weather is cooler, the breezes are more plentiful, and we are adjusting to our new home.
Mason has flourished in summer camp. He has met many new friends who live in the neighborhood. He continues to video chat with his buddies from 30A. He even had his best buddy visit for a long weekend. The visit from the Keepmans was a like a shot of vitamins, it was good for the soul.
Jamie.The man who never sits still.He doesn’t.He has been busy around the house.And, he has torn his meniscus, and he tore it badly.Surgery is in his future.God Bless him.He is scheduling his surgery around my doctor visits in Atlanta.He lives in pain, until…
Covid-19
In March, it seemed unreachable to us. In April, it seemed unreal with the shutdowns. In May, it seemed too progressive for the planned re-openings of cities. And June confirmed that the spread was just beginning.
My family has not been affected, yet. We are purposely and proactively taking safety precautions. We believe my immune system is/has recovered, but we are in no position nor have any desire to test it. We are homebodies. Jamie ventures out to ACE Hardware, Home Depot, and Publix. He always wears a mask and is diligent in disinfecting anything he touches.
Work
Work work work. It is always there. I am grateful. We are fortunate that we can work from home, or for that matter, work from anywhere. There are many companies in distress, but on the bright side, many companies are thriving and planning for the future. During this pandemic, I couldn’t imagine working for anyone except SAP.
My Love Letter to You.
When I was first diagnosed, I was in a fog. I didn’t know how to communicate – to my family, to my friends, to my co-workers. It was strange. I was diagnosed with a life-threatening disease, BUT I felt fine. It was strange to be in that moment of unknowing if I should embrace life or death.
I was fortunate to have friends, co-workers, and family who spread the news for me.
It was overwhelming.
Overwhelming.
In a good way
No, in a GREAT way.
I was not sure how people would react to “Breast Cancer”. Let me tell you, people react. Every ounce of goodness, kindness, love, empathy, sympathy oozes out. It oozed and covered me up in a blanket of love.
Whether it was a card, gift, meals, or a kind note left on my Caring Bridge entries, people reacted. This experience humbled me in the most unexpected ways. The outreach still leaves me speechless.
People are kind. People are loving. People care.
I would love to name and thank each of you, but please know that every outreach touched my heart.
And I learned.
I learned to not hesitate. I learned not to hold back. I learned to LEAN IN on people that needed a hug. Don’t be shy, don’t care from afar. Get in there!
People who are faced with adversity need a human touch. It doesn’t matter if it is personal illness, family illness, death and loss, or just being lost. People appreciate and need outreach. YOU don’t have to have the perfect words, or the perfect cards, or the perfect flowers. People thrive with the smallest interaction. Comments on this site alone brought me to tears and brought me much needed comfort.
If you are ever faced with a situation and unsure of what to do, just know that the smallest kindest gesture can be life changing for the person suffering.
My love letter.
I love you all. This year has been a year of sorrow, pain, and worry. But, at the same time, I experienced love, kindness, and hope. It has been overwhelmingly humbling and surreal to see and feel the touch of all of you. It made my journey with cancer much easier, knowing that you were all out there praying and pulling for me. A simple “thank you” does not seem enough. You all gave me so much. Godspeed.
THANK YOU ALL!