Lucky after all

Keith is a lucky man. Not about the cancer, of course, but about the people he works with. Today was another example of friendship and support from a group of people I mostly know through stories and anecdotes. These friends and co-workers of Keith's at the Sentinel have given him the kind of support that truly makes a difference. They call, they write, they send thoughtful items, they keep him in touch with what is going on in the big, wide world outside the doctor's offices. When I read the scrapbook created by his friends it made us smile together. And cry just a tiny bit, too.

Knowing that there are people who care is so important to recovery. It has helped Keith stay connected and feel that there really will be life after cancer. It is so difficult for a man who has worked hard all his life to be forced to stay home and rest. Feeling like an invalid can actually make a person an invalid! (I hate irony.) So often Keith feels guilty if he can't help me with something, or if he feels sick or fatigued. It must seem like weakness to him (damn our society and what it does to the male psyche!), but it's not. His job right now is to recover enough to survive surgery, which, in turn, will require that he recover from in order to survive the cancer. It all sounds like a Joseph Heller story. (Catch 22 for you young'uns.)

Knowing there are people out there rooting for him is an amazing help. It boosts the spirit. It takes some of the loneliness out of the battle. And it is, ultimately, a very lonely battle.

Our bodies are the shelter of our souls and when we connect in these small ways I believe we create bridges between us. We are each separate and apart, yet still tied together through the bonds of friendship and affection. When we help each other, we strengthen ourselves.

Thank you. Everyone. You are all a blessing in our lives.