The Milk of Human Kindness
It really does exist.
Over the past three weeks since I was diagnosed with cancer, it simply amazes me at the level of kindess that has been shown to me, not just by my family and friends, but strangers who don't know me from Adam or that I have this illness.
Just today I was at the local wholesale store. It was basically my "last stop" on the list of things to get and do in order to be totally prepared for starting radiation and chemo. I wanted to get three cases of bottled water. They were stacked fairly high, but I managed to get one of them into my cart. A woman, perhaps a bit younger than myself, asked if I needed help. I said yes please, and explained I had the port-cath surgery and it was difficult to lift heavy items. She insisted on lifiting the cases herself when I wanted to help, and she placed two cases into my cart. I thanked her profusely for her kindess, and my eyes misted up because here, a complete stranger, would come to my aid.
As I was checking out, I had struck up a conversation with a couple in the next lane. They were biker folk, and we were having a great time laughing and teasing about different things. They overheard me ask the cashier if I could have one of the guys help lift the heavy items into my car. I only told her that I had had surgery and could use some help. Immediately, this couple, whom I had just met, said, oh, don't bother we'll help you! They waited until I checked out, then the man took his lady to her car, and then was right at my side. In the course about a minute and a half, had my whole car loaded. Again, I thanked them profusely and offered to buy them lunch for their help. He declined saying oh it's no problem, happy to be of help! We wished each other well, and went our separate ways.
Then there are those that maybe I haven't kept in touch with as much as I would have like, and called upon them. Without batting an eyelash, they are on the phone helping me with some very good advice. To MJ and Val, thank you so much for that. Knowing you have both been through the "C" word, and imparting your wisdom, has meant the world to me. You have helped me get a grip on my emotions, and especially my fear. Your support means the world to me, and I know you'll both be there with a listening ear when the going gets tougher in the next few weeks.
They say that having cancer changes your life. It already has mine, in some ways for the better, and it's not even been a month.