Quote of the Day: “Look at the stone cutter hammering away at his rock, perhaps a hundred times without as much as a crack showing in it. Yet the hundred-and-first blow it will split in two, and I know it was not the last blow that did it, but all that had gone before.” Jacob A. Riis
Exercise Log: Been going every day but I can tell effects from radiation. I am tired when I wake up in the morning which isn’t normally the case. Today, my alarm went off and I could not believe it was morning. If I had looked at the clock and it said 2 A.M., it would have seemed just right. Yesterday, Sue O., Sue B. and I ran part of the way. My legs were sore from two days before when I ran a little. Apparently, different muscles are utilized for walking and running. However, it was liberating to run.
One thing I have found really touching about having had a cancer diagnosis is the connection you have with someone else who has gone through it. This group of survivors must realize that the only way to really understand what it’s like to have your life threatened, is to experience it. Even if I just met the person, instant bond. Is it the sorrow experienced or adversity understood? I don’t know. Today at Costco, I spotted a women with a hat on. I always take a minute to look longer either at the hat, because I like the way it looks, or at the person wondering if they’ve lost their hair. Anyway, I found myself right behind this woman as we were checking out. I asked her if she was undergoing chemo and she said yes so we started talking. Right away she told me her whole story- more details than would normally flow with a total stranger at a warehouse store but I got it. She looked at my “almost bald” head and knew that I too had gone through something similar. I was part of the “sisterhood” and I could relate.
There are 2 other women in my ward that have the breast cancer gene. That seems like a large number to me. One of them, Margaret Sevy, brought me over this book called “Thanks for the Mammogram! Fighting Cancer with Faith, Hope and a Healthy Dose of Laughter.” It has been great to read not only because of the parts that I can really relate to, that are too awful to do anything but laugh about, but also because the author had cancer in 1992 and the treatment was so different in many ways. That makes sense- almost 20 years ago. And then, Jennifer Merkley, whose children I knew from Skyline, brought me over this helpful information on radiation relief creme. These are binding connections- our association doesn’t end there. I think of these women all the time and how they have dealt with this cancer stuff and what great examples they are to me. My prayers for healing include them.
So, I got the job. Tennis and Tutoring. What a great combination to help give high-risk student populations chances in life they wouldn’t normally have. Part-time job doing two things that I love- working with youth populations and participating in tennis! This has given me such a positive, empowering lift. I even walk around forgetting that I am “almost bald”.
Congratulations on your new job. It sounds like it was made especially for you. I’m so glad to see that your influence will still be felt by many in your new adventure.
You continue to amaze me with your spirit and attitude, and I continue to grow from reading your blog and taking in your words. What growth has occurred in so many of us through your experience. Thank you for sharing your journey with us, the highs and the lows. Love you!
Yay Joanie! Congratulations on getting the job. When you told me about it, it sounded so perfect for you! You will be awesome and the kids will be blessed to have you. When do you start?