The kind messages and affirmation of prayer support for Treva yesterday were a source of comfort and hope. The day had its ups and downs for her, but she emerged with a radiance and sense of wellbeing. She asked that I write to express her gratitude and thanks. She was moved to happy tears from the kind and loving expressions shared by many.
There is a Swedish proverb that says: " Shared sorrow is half sorrow." Perhaps the same is true for folks undergoing treatment for a life-threatening illness. The chemo sessions are administered in groups of five people in close proximity to one another. Of course, each has an individualized IV-bag of medication, but the same nurse carefully watches all five for any signs of distress.
The patients are free to sleep, read, or occupy themselves as they choose, but most will always opt to engage in conversation. We are hard-wired for connections with others.
Of course, in any conversational grouping of people, one or two people primarily do most of the talking while others listen. I can assure you that the General was primarily in the listening group. She doesn't have a need to call attention to herself and is more comfortable being on the periphery of conversation in a group of strangers.
Of course, on our way home, I asked about the group's composition. A couple of people in the group were younger adults. The lady who did most of the talking fell into that category. She has three children.
Reportedly, the younger guy in the group plans to go with his girlfriend to the British Virgin Islands for a ten-day vacation between now and his next chemo - session in three weeks. Good for him!
The General is an empathetic listener. She emerged from the group with a heart-felt concern for those with whom she shared space and conversation. It became obvious from things that were shared, that not everyone has the level of support from family and friends that we experience.
Okay, call it selfish if you want, but it did occur to me that the General might want to think about our taking a 10-day vacation to the British Virgin Islands. Of course, I'm not holding my breath. It would be out of character for the General to have an idea like that. As Florence Jean Castleberry might say: "When donkey's fly."
Bottom line: Yesterday was a good day. We are now one step closer to completion of the first phase of the General's treatment regime. We are surrounded by scores of people who care for us. It doesn't get any better than that.
All My Best!
Don
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