Perspective

So many times I am reminded just how blessed I truly am.  Today was one of those days.

I had a great check-up with my oncologist today.  Everything looked great.  However, while waiting for my appointment (bloodwork an hour before, then wait), an older gentlemen struck up a conversation.  He was there for a follow-up from his first chemo treatment.

At first he was shocked that I had gone through cancer treatment.  Then he was excited to see me this far removed from my treatment and looking well.  He told the CPN later that it had given him hope.

The whole conversation was very uplifting.  He'd lost so much already--his voice had changed, his speech was slightly slurred, but we laughed and talked like friends rather than patients waiting for our turn.  As the conversation continued, he mentioned he didn't have any family.  Ironically, the event that started our interaction was a large family going back with a patient.  Nothing like a little perspective to remind you how blessed you really are.  I don't know how I would have coped without my very supportive family while I was going through everything last year and the year before.

We finished our talk on a positive note.  He asked how I'd kept busy during the time when I was sick.  I explained that I wrote a novel.  One that will never see the light of day, but it was something that kept me busy, focused, and made my time feel worthwhile.  I told him that even if what I was writing wasn't the best stuff, I kept on writing, and I'm proud of that time and what came out of it.

Unfortunately, I got called back to see the doctor, and when I came out, he was gone, and I don't even know his name.  But it got me thinking.  I now have a school counseling degree, but with 12 more credit hours, I will be able to take a licensure test to become a certified mental health counselor.  If I make it that far, it wouldn't be a bad thing to be there for those who don't have anyone else.  Most cancer centers have social workers now, but I don't know if they have any links to mental health counselors.  That would be something to work toward.  It would be a way for me to give back for all my many blessings.

Happy Writing!