Thursday, February 28, 2013

Things I've discovered...


I was late getting to infusion on Tuesday for the one of the first times.  It meant 3 others were already waiting in room number 9, (Roger Maris's number btw), for their infusions to begin.  Typically we are staggered- but it seems we all arrived within minutes of each other.

I discovered... a sort of crazy phenomenon occurring... nobody was getting upset.  The longer we waited, the more tolerant and forgiving the patients all sounded.  Not only was our tight quarters cramped with recliners, beds and infusers all bunched together, but we had only tiny curtains providing make-shift privacy walls.  And yet nobody complained.

My total infusion time is usually 1 1/2 hours- start to finish.  On Tuesday, 1 1/2 hours in- I still hadn't gotten my drug from the pharmacy, and neither had the woman next to me, who had been there before me.  When the nurse apologized to her for the second time, she said, "oh I'm working, its fine, really no bother at all."  And she meant it.

From the conversations going on around me, you'd be hard pressed to believe you were in a chemo infusion center surrounded by cancer patients.  One woman when asked how many treatments she'd had of her drug responded with "16 gabillion, thereabouts.  I have no idea, I just keep hearing that its working so I just keep showing up."  The nurse eventually told her she was on round 17, which is really quite significant.

An elderly man was conversing with his son and they were going over his lab report which was spectacular.  "Well that time way back when my cardiologist said I had 6 months left to live, so I got a second opinion and that doctor agreed with the first one.  Then over the years, I attended BOTH their funerals and here I am.  No surprise really I'm still kicking even with cancer."

As I sat listening, my gratitude journal got a good work out on Tuesday... it rarely seems like a coincidence that I am surrounded by words, people and messages that I need to hear, just when I need to hear them the most.

"I've discovered- gratitude in everything, leaves me wanting for nothing."


When Sarah entered the room with a basket of goodies and this was laying right on top, it spoke to me instantly.  A store had donated some clearance items- what a great idea- and I am the happy recipient.



I was so filled up when I left infusion- figuratively and literally.  I went home and finished a small pay-it-forward project.



Candace Rix is the niece of my friend Carrie.  Candace was found to have a brain tumor a few months ago and has survived an extensive surgery, a lengthy rehabilitation period and many doctor visits.

My friend Carrie is heading up a benefit in honor of Candace and asked some of us girls if we would donate a basket for the silent auction.

The items have poured in from friends far away and the rest I have been gathering on my own.  Below is just a sample of the *cough* FIVE baskets we managed to donate!

There are so many goodies in each of these!

Thanks to Elizabeth, Karla, Kristi, and my boys for contributing all the items below!  






Elizabeth even sent a little something extra in case Colton was interested.  He was!  He picked the bear  and it has been wrapped tightly in Colton's arms every night since.



Elizabeth also surprised me recently with an offer that is crazy good and honors me so. 

I am taking a writing class online through the generosity of Elizabeth.

Its a spiritual memoir class.

It started last week and I am immersed!  I end my days so completely brain fried- its the best possible feeling.  

I've discovered... a lot of life happens in the midst of waiting if we're only willing to really live it.  



35 comments:

  1. My God, I love you. That's all I can say. If in the middle of all you face and deal with you can continue to find every grain and nugget of encouragement and hope that can be barely felt, let alone examined, then how can any of us facing far less DO less? You constantly remind me of the important things, my friend, and I am thankful.

    Love the sign and am copying it to my hard drive and love your little Colton with his oh-so-expressive doe eyes yanking my heart out. The baskets are beautiful and you all did an incredible job of making them fun and uber attractive. Can't believe YOU'RE taking a writing course. If you'd told me you were TEACHING it, then that would have resonated with me but, more power to you and bless your friend for thinking of it. Thanks for blessing me again today. Love to you.

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  2. Well, so much for stealing the photo with the meaningful words of life. It won't let me. Wish I were handy and I'd paint it onto a plaque. Wish our Sara were here. Wouldn't she do this justice?? Would you be able to send me a copy of the photo, Vicky? What I'd really like is to have it printed, just as it is, and frame it. I love the black and white and the simplicity of the letters. It reminds me of my old church when I was just a little girl and they had those boards on the wall telling you how many people were at church last week and how much the offerings were. Yeah, I know. I'm OLD! :)

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    1. Will you shoot me an email address? I would be happy to send a copy to you :) xxoo

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  3. Oh, Vicky. Talk about goose bumps. This post is exquisite. Total gratitude. Grace. Generosity. Blessing others.

    And your quote...."I've discovered gratitude in everything leaves me wanting for nothing."

    Wow. No way to top that one, my friend.

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    1. Julie, thank you- to see your beautiful photo show up and read your generous and kind words blessed me in ways I can barely describe. xxoo

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  4. Your Colton is precious beyond words. Look at that photo of him; makes me want to give him a bazillion hugs and kisses. He's squeezable...for sure!
    Love the love that I feel here, Vicky.
    Thank you for always sharing that with me.
    Always....
    J.

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    1. Jackie- you have shown me the true meaning of love time and again- so its a huge compliment to me if you feel it in return :)

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  5. oh my word - you've blessed me again Vicky - no surprise there - with this today! Yes, Yes, and Yes to all you have learned, realized and discovered recently - graditude, there is really nothing better. And again, I remind you as you remind me, that you are living your moments just like you said you wanted to! YAY for you! and you are embracing them too! I want to do that too, live my life and discover things and stop waiting because for me, I am not sure what I am really waiting for!

    So glad I hopped over here before getting back to work. Honestly - just what I needed to read! Adore you - thankful for you!

    Love you to the moon!
    xoTiffany

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    1. To the moon- and all the way back sweetie :) Wishing I could hug your sweet neck right now :)

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  6. Your Beautiful..and you write..write ..write with all the beauty in you! I love "gratitude in everything makes me wanting for nothing" life happens in every sec...even when we dont notice..and you are reminding me to notice everything.... thank you :)

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    1. I love hearing that you are reminded to "notice." If anything I say resonates with someone than I am truly blessed- thank you!

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  7. I am so blessed to have heard from you. I constantly wonder how you are doing and I praise God that your days are filled with so much "living". You are an amazing woman of faith and an inspiration to all! Love.

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    1. I'm so touched by your sweet words Kelly- thank you- love to you!

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  8. So many nice people in the world. This is God working his miracles. Joy and peace found in the midst of turmoil.
    Lovely picture of Colton.:)

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    1. Exactly Vic- I like how you put it- Joy and peace found in the midst of turmoil.

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  9. We all need to take a lesson from you, and the others in the infusion room, and not allow lifes LITTLE inconveniences to steal our joy!!!! I think being in your position, you see, REALLY see what is important and what is not!!!! This was so inspirational. I love that sign too. I am going to copy the words and share it. XO, Pinky

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    1. Yes Pinky- please do share the words- I think they are so spot on! xxoo

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  10. I had posted a quote on my Facebook page earlier and as I read your uplifting words here that quote came to my mind again.

    "Happiness comes when we stop complaining about the troubles we have, and say thanks to God for the troubles we don't have." You, my friend, are doing just this.

    Everything happens for a reason and you being late so you could hear those encouraging words was meant to be.

    What a precious son you have there. I love that picture.

    Eileen xxoo

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    1. Eileen- as always you have your own special way of leaving such encouragement and uplifting words- I'm honored friend- truly.

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  11. Okay, so here are the words I read just this morning from the One Thousand Gifts Devotional (not the original book, but the devotional). "Authentic thanks is always for all things, because our God is a God kneading all things into a bread that sustains. Paul gave glory in tribulations (Romans 5:3) and took pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake (Corinthians 12:10), and he knew that which didn't look like anything good might yield good, all in the hand of a good God." I love that last phrase.

    The picture of your son just melts my heart. Camden, too, is a softie, and I see the same in Colton.

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    1. I just bought it and have not delved into it yet- but that is perfect- so right on. Thank you for sharing with me- I am excited to begin!

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  12. Vicky, like many others here, the photo of Colton drew me in. Those eyes! That sweet face. I loved seeing all those fun baskets too. Weee! Isn't it fun to give? You really are amazing how you are able to turn a treatment day into something containing gratitude. And I am so thankful to Elizabeth with you! :) Can't wait to read the fruits, when/if you're willing to share.

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  13. Having a grateful heart in the midst of adversity is such a gift. A gift you share well.

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  14. Vicky, your words are so inspiring! I wish I could write with your eloquence! Please know that I pray and think of you daily!

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  15. Oh, Vicky, I take your every word and carry it deep in my heart - you bring perspective, inspiration and a healthy dose of honesty to my day - all from the view of a 'heart sister', again, even though we have never met.

    Praying that the sun streams through your window today, for moments of pure joy, and a shred of unwavering Hope, given to us by our God.

    You are loved! Prayed for! And cheered for!

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  16. Vicky....you are so amazing and inspiring! I have such a big smile on my face after reading what you wrote. You are truly one of a kind! :)

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  17. A lot of life happens in the midst of waiting ...... how profound this sentence is. Just inspiring. And wonderful news re the writing class. You will knock it out of the park!

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  18. My apologies for the prolonged absence. I am glad to see you doing well. I find this extremely deep and profound "...a lot of life happens in the midst of waiting if we're only willing to really live it. " It sure does..and thank you for sharing it with us. Loads of love and God's choicest blessings :)

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  19. Enjoyed your post Vicky. A writing class....how fun. Love your son's photo.

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  20. Your post did this body some good!!!! Perfect grace... Thank you Vicky for your eloquence and mostly for sharing your life and heart, helping us all to listen and take notice of a life best lived. Bless you!!

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  21. Your post did this body some good!!!! Perfect grace... Thank you Vicky for your eloquence and mostly for sharing your life and heart, helping us all to listen and take notice of a life best lived. Bless you!!

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