I've been "writing" this blog post in my head for well over a year. When I was diagnosed with cancer, my family and friends showed up in BIG ways. They showed up in ALL of the ways... With love and support, impromptu text check-ins, beautiful cards delivered to my mailbox every day, unexpected gifts, financial support for cold capping and a healing trip, and just OH, so much love. The gift of love cannot be overstated, and I will forever be grateful. You truly never know how loved you are, until you are faced with something as scary as cancer. This was the best gift that cancer gave to me.
But first, I had to learn how to receive. God, it's hard to receive. It is hard to be vulnerable and to need help and accept help. Quickly, I realized that I would have to surrender and graciously take the loving help that was being offered to me.
Now that I'm past my cancer treatment, and working on my mental, physical and emotional healing, I feel so lucky to have the opportunity to give back. I have a whole new perspective on giving.
I recently was connected with a friend of a friend who has had a very unexpected serious cancer diagnosis. Over the last few weeks, we have had some long video calls, and it is such a GIFT to feel like I can finally offer someone else help by offering love, support, advice, and all of the research/health advice that I've been working on for the last year and a half. I can finally give back! The feeling of joy and satisfaction is one that I can't really even put into words. Luckily, I even get to see this new friend in person, as I'll be visiting her city for work. I get to "gift" all of my chemo comfort gear to her. It all feels so meant to be, and it is all such a gift.
Also, hurricane Ian wreaked havoc on some of the neighborhoods in my community. I was really torn on how I could help, until I saw a friend post on social media that her home was flooded, and she needed a place to stay. Luckily, I'm in a position to share my "she shed" with my family and friends. (More on the "she shed" in an upcoming blog post!) My friend, and her elderly dog, will have a safe place to stay while their home is repaired. Again, little does she know, SHE is the one GIVING a beautiful gift to me.
So let us all remember to GIVE and RECEIVE graciously... It's all a gift.
No words can express my gratitude! I can't wait to be in the position to give back! You have continued to inspire me throughout all the years we've known each other; in my career, my health, my well-being, and the way I want to leave a mark in this world. Accepting help is SO HARD! I had no idea how hard it would be. I haven't cried once about my house, but I have bawled over the generosity of people in my life. Sometimes it's too much to take in...
Thoroughly enjoy your blog, keep it up! 🥰