I’ve had 3 of 6 expected treatments, and let's face it, chemo is cumulative. As a doctor said, it’s necessary poison. In my type of Lymphoma, it usually kicks it fast into remission but getting there's no cake-walk, and “poison” collects. In the last few days, I felt punk from that collected yuck, enough to make it the most un-fun so far.
I was at my desk when the doorbell rang. Outside I found a box with a sweet arrangement of Halloween-decorated cookies sent by Susan, one of two ChemoAngels sent to me by this fantastic organization. Then, when I went to the post office, I found another box, a collection of Cheryl’s Cookies, sent by Jeff Wayne. Jeff's a very funny and kind man, a professional comedian, and we met when he organized a joint speaking engagement last year with Hollywood Congress of Republicans. An hour or so later, I received yet another sweet, a wonderful note from my other ChemoAngel, Connie.
How is it that all this came together when I really needed something to lift my spirits? Spirits. The “angel factor.”
The afternoon found me at the oncologist's office for a blood test. The day before, the name of a girl with whom I’d gone to elementary and high school came to me unbidden. I’d not thought of her in YEARS. Moons ago there was talk of a high school reunion, with mention that Susie Kasai had passed away. In the doctor's office, a nurse called a name before me … “Ms. Kasai?”
Later when I was in the same room with her, I asked this woman if she knew Susie.
“Susie was my sister.” Okay, now, YOU explain.
We talked awhile before I asked what took Susie’s life—breast cancer. Thankfully, Susie’s sister doesn’t have cancer. Through her—and Susie—I was comforted. Susie, a small, brave lady, with children and lots of family love, had fought her battle for years … in that very same chemo room! Susie’s sister spoke of the positives in Susie’s life. Even though the illness took her breath, Susie had won, with great helpings of humor and the folks who loved her … her own angels. I'm sure Susie was there as I spoke with her sister.
Why otherwise would I've thought of someone after so many years—and then run into her sister in my oncologist’s office?
By the way … Susie’s sister’s name? Angel. I ain’t kiddin’ ya. And Susie's middle name? One she shared with me—Joy.
Thanks to all the angels in unexpected places! Each of you make a less-than-fun time in my life so very blessed.
