I called my neighbour yesterday , the one that is fighting cancer herself. We've been friends in this culdesac for at least 23 years. I brought her borscht a month back and cried with her and her cancer journey. I kept my story to myself, it wasn't the right time. When is it the right time to mention that word cancer? I told her my cancer is back , surgery is tomorrow. She showed up at my door 3 hours later with cookies, chocolate and fruit. She was utterly devastated. I was her rock, her role model in fighting her cancer. She grabbed me and hugged me tight, you are going to be alright. We both are . I was shocked, humbled , speechless.
And I want to be her tower to lean on, above all I want her to see Jesus in me. I invited her in for a moment to see my grandchildren. She was in awe of how beautiful they are. I was in awe that I got to spend time with them, did you know I love being an Oma?
In the spring Rudy and I were talking to another neighbour. He was telling me that Rudy and I are his proof that cancer doesn't have to win. That there is hope and a future with cancer. He tells all his friends that we are a success story. We've had cancer and look we are okay. Neighbours watching, doing community together. It's a beautiful thing.
I'm realising my journey is not starting nor ending. My journey has been my life so far and my responsibility to others is enormous. My story is to touch the heart of others and leave a wonderful fragrance behind. It's to cry with the broken, and rejoice with the joyful.
Does that mean I'm never sad or angry or disheartened? No of course not , I'm human . God has made all the different emotions in me for a reason. I ask you to allow me to be transparent. Allow me to be scared, sad ,lonely -walk with me I want you part of my journey. Allow me to grieve when I need to , grieve with me. Allow me to rejoice , rejoice with me. Let's do community it's a beautiful thing.
