The only real experience I have had with cancer patients was
with my husband Gary. A few weeks ago, I
started volunteering at the Via Christi Cancer Resource Center. I knew I would have contact with patients, and
I knew I would be there to welcome guests to the resource center. The resource area is filled with books,
computers, and a place to rest if your family. It’s a place that family or patients can
research and read about the disease that has invaded their bodies and lives.
I made this
commitment because in my heart I thought it was the right thing to do. I had been a caregiver of a terminal loved
one, and I knew I could be of help to those in the same place in life.
My Son’s had reservations about me exposing myself to this
pain and suffering, that it might bring back unhappy memories of the past. I guess, in some ways it has, but on the
other side of the coin, I have been given a chance to be a friend, a sounding
board, a presence to lift a spirit and the opportunity to realize how very
lucky my life has been. Sure there have
been lumps and bumps along the way; there has been real suffering with
loss. My suffering has given me a chance
to make a big difference in some one’s life, maybe not a big difference, but a
difference just the same.
I have been given a
gift. This gift is not wrapped up with
ribbons or bows, you see……….I’m visiting with patients taking chemo and
radiation. Every single person is fighting for their
life. I see love and faith, dignity and
determination in every face. I am making
new friends, and we look forward to seeing each other, to catch up every
week. We share stories about our
children, our grandchildren, what books we have read, our favorite TV programs,
our faith, and sometimes about their disease. There is nothing more satisfying
than when someone comes in, and gives you a hug because they are happy you are
there. We celebrate when the treatments
are finished and there is good news. And sometimes you feel the sadness they have,
when current medication has to be changed, because it wasn’t successful. I have been very fortunate as a
volunteer. So many things I have done,
have put me in places that have given me more than I could have ever given
back. This is an amazing journey I’m on.
God leads us to where we are supposed to be and I am grateful to be of
service in this wonderful way.
