The Promise of the Bell

LucyAnn rang the bell this week marking the end of her 6th and final round of what we hope will be the last of her chemotherapy treatment.  

There's a long standing tradition at the the cancer clinic in Tallahassee where, on your last day of your chemo treatments, you get to ring a bell for all those present to hear and to celebrate your accomplishment.  It serves as a testament to the courage and persistence you have shown in completing the therapy. It's an acknowledgement that it's no small thing to go through this process and that it's one of  the hardest things in your life that you will ever be asked to endure. 

The ringing of the bell was met with much applause, hoops and hollers.I think not only for LucyAnn but for the all the cancer patients at that time in the clinic. It serves as an reminder for those still undergoing treatment that one time very soon they too will get the chance to ring the bell. That there is light at the end of the tunnel.

So congratulations LucyAnn! You did it!

Endings and Beginnings

Christmas Day 2016

Waking up to the carols of Christmas, to the sweet melodies of the songbirds outside my window; to the feeling of stillness, holiness.. A little chill in the air (for Florida that is). Feeling the sweet melancholy of endings and the exhilaration of new beginnings. Beginning to let go of the emotions of past events and embracing a new and hopeful future. Today, simply being grateful for the gifts of the past year: the embrace and support of friends, the gift of new insights and deep recognition of all the love I have in my life .Preparing to celebrate. LucyAnn's last chemo treatment is this Tuesday Dec. 27th. Yay! Merry Christmas.

Questions

We will fight, not out of spite

For someone must stand up for what's right

Cause where there's a man who has no voice

There ours shall go singing

                    From Hands by Jewel

I was listening to Pandora a few days ago and this song by Jewel began playing.  It's a song I've always liked and heard hundreds of times. But this time the simple lyrics above stirred me more than usual. Of course it's not surprising what with what's been happening the last few months over the last year really. It's hard  to think about. So many questions. So many changes occurring both personally and in our nation. . What does it mean for me, for us, to fight? How will that manifest itself into my life now? Old ways don't feel attractive now. LucyAnn and I will not be facing water cannons any time soon. How will we effectively stand for those of us who have no voice? How will we protect our children? What is our role now at this time in our lives? Answers, I hope, are coming.