Grannie Pam asks "What are your top three favorite moments from your mom's weekend?" "I can't come up with just three," I tell her. "Share one then," She implores. But I can't... its not one, its not three. Its all of them. How do you describe all of them?
Reality intrudes. I walk into Roger Maris for blood work early this Monday morning. The receptionist is new. She can't get my pager to work. I wait, my mind not fully present with my reality.
I've been submerged. I've been initiated... cleansed... baptized... in the waters of sisterhood.
I've been revitalized, restored, refreshed.
We've giggled, cross legged with tears streaming.
We've danced and sang.
We've floated and drifted- pulling ourselves back together each time one gets too far away. Her foot rests on my floatie, my hand secures her on the other side of me.
We stayed up late pouring out our stories to each other.
We became vessels for the triumphs, the sorrows, the burdens of each other.
We've come to lay it down. The kids, the husbands, the jobs, the demands, the work.
Cancer world washes off me like water rolls off the back of a duck. They take it from me.
It all floats away in the wake left behind by the waves and evaporates in the sun.
We anchor each other.
We buoy each other.
We write a new chapter. Each voice rings true. Each character valued, admired, cherished. The novel unfolds as the layers peel back. Its funny and honest. Raw and real. Fifty Shades of awesome. A true page turner nobody wants to end.
Heidi, Heidi, Nicki, Nichi, Amy, Judy, Shauna, Grannie...
Vicky...
I hear my name being called. The lab tech has come for me... She asks if I've fasted and points to the 4 tubes ready for my blood. I slowly shake my head no... I'm still emerging from the sanctity of the water. My body longs to dive down to the depths of the clear sandy bottom, while my lungs fight for air. I break the surface of the water, blinking into the light, steeling myself for my entry back into cancer world.
so beautiful Vicky - and my heart is smiling so big for you and all your weekend did for you! What a blessing and gift!
ReplyDeleteBig hug - standing with you as you await the results!
xoTiffany
Hugs sweetie- thanks for standing with me always - no matter what :)
DeleteOh my lovely friend! Your words so great, so full of love, spirit and hope. Full of power and trust!!!! I love you and wish I can be a part of your wonderfull experience.
ReplyDeleteSend you so many hugs and I know, you are every day with me and I am every day with you, in our minds!!!
Kiss you with maaaanyyy bussals!!!
Mimi
Mimi- Many- many bussals back to you!! I know you could come and hang with us anytime friend!!
DeleteLove you friend!
So glad to hear you have been blessed with such a refreshing weekend! Don't let go of those joy filled moments as you tread softly back into chemo world...keep one foot planted in the love of your "sisterhood"!
ReplyDeleteI'm planted sista- firmly planted - with the sisterhood and all of you in my blogger hood :) Couldn't do it without all of you!
DeleteSo beautiful!!...the photos, the story, the writing, and you beautiful ladies! As always, you are so inspiring Vicky!
ReplyDeleteHey Chelsea- so good to hear from you- waiting for an update on your blog. Need to hear how Big Daddy and Cupcake are getting on- and the house!! Hope your summer is going well!
DeleteThanks for the sweet words!
This post boosted me!! I'm so glad that your weekend with the girls gave you a much-needed respite from the world of cancer. What a beautifully written (and photographed) blog. Your words images are perfect.
ReplyDeleteContinued hugs for you, my friend.
Jackie
Thank you Jackie, I think of your time spent up in the mountains as the same as mine at the lakes- and I think we both have that respite when we need it surrounded by people we love to be with!
DeleteHugs sweetie- thank you!
Vicky, just when I think you're at the top of your writing game and can't possibly get any better, poof! Another amazing post with such depth of feeling and beauty I am mesmerized comes out! You are a gift. I know I'm a broken record, but thank you! It is always like receiving a present coming here. XXOO, Roxane
ReplyDeleteRoxane,
DeleteMy goodness, you've blessed me with your sweet words. I am always happy to know that something that has resonated with me- gives a little something of that to someone else. Thank you for helping me really know that :) You know I deeply admire your work and its a true honor to receive such high praise from you.
Sarah was working at infusion yesterday and without even asking she came and wrapped me in a warm blanket while I waited for my room :) So like her to do that!
A beautifully written and imaged post. What a gift to be able to leave the world of cancer behind for a time.
ReplyDeleteSusan,
DeleteYes- a pure gift that I do not take lightly. So many times we are not allowed to "escape" our circumstances- so I do feel this time I've been given is pure gift.
Vicky--your words are so beautiful! My prayers for you as you wait...and as we wait with you, may we find comfort from Exodus 14:13 -- "Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord." Standing with you my friend!
ReplyDeletePs. I just love sisterhood!
Thank you Kim- I don't know where I would be without my sisterhood and my blogging-hood. You all do so much to sustain me and I am so grateful for that. Blessings to you sweet friend!
DeleteBeautiful words, beautiful people, beautiful weekend. May the beauty that surrounded you this past weekend envelop you and strengthen you for a long time coming as you step back into the cancer world.
ReplyDeleteLove and hugs my friend!!!
Thank you Eileen- yours words always do so much to envelop me with love and friendship and I am grateful to you for that always!
DeleteWe were blessed to have you with us this weekend, Vicky. You are an amazing woman and a gift to all who know you. I'm honored to be one of your many 'sisters'. I will be praying for good news tomorrow. God bless!
ReplyDeleteNichi-
DeleteSo cool to see you show up here! The pleasure and honor are all mine- it takes a special group of people to let a woman with cancer come and hang out with them and feel so normal in the process- so thank you! I'm still grinning :)
Your writing is so eloquent, so beautiful... powerful! You make us feel as if we're floating on the water in a tube right next to you, hooked by feet or fingers...
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful thing, this weekend with the girls... you should do it again.. and again.
Ha- we are counting down till next summer already :) The feeling was pretty powerful and those experiences become so easy to get down on paper... um screen :) Thank you!
DeletePS.. if any of these images are one you'd like to use as a header, send it to me in e-mail and I'll create a new one for you.
ReplyDeleteThe photos say so much. Looks like a wonderful weekend Vicky. You are blessed!
ReplyDeleteThank you Lisa- I feel fully blessed! Hugs to you!
Deletethere's nothing better than being with your "tribe" and no words can ever convey what
ReplyDeletethat time is actually like.....
Tribe- love that- exactly right! Love that you are part of my blogger tribe for sure :)
DeleteRobin,
ReplyDeleteNothing means more to me than knowing you continue to walk hand in hand with me this entire time. I couldn't do this with out you and your precious gift of prayers!
Love you!
What a happy, strong, loving group of women and what a beautiful tribute to them and to your time together!
ReplyDeleteI am delighted that you had this time! Keep the love and energy with you! xo!