Photo credit: Philip Taylor
This morning, while driving away from my house on the way to the gym, I met my neighbor in her car coming home. We stopped, rolled down windows, and chatted for a moment. She’d been to a garage sale in a nearby town about 15 miles away, didn’t find much worth buying, and only spent $5. We said bye and went about our business. Just an ordinary Saturday morning, right?
This small incident nearly brought me to tears of joy.
A few weeks before, it couldn’t have happened.
Ten months ago, my neighbor was diagnosed with cancer and has since endured six surgeries, months of chemo, and, only three weeks ago, could have died due to sepsis from complications.
She is tough.
But life is fragile.
The small, simple act of driving herself to a garage sale, the most ordinary of events, looms a huge triumph and cause for celebration in my heart because it came so close to not happening.
It sounds trite and clichéd to say embrace every moment. But I am indeed embracing these insignificant moments with my neighbor and each one is precious.
Today was a wonderful ordinary Saturday morning.
A friend of mine just completed her last chemo and is headed towards radiation for Stage 4 breast cancer. I totally relate. Every nanosecond is precious. Every word we say matters. Every thought we have had impact. Thank you for this key reminder how fragile every moment is.
So sorry about your friend, Constance. It’s heart-wrenching to watch the suffering of someone you care about. Sending her strength and positive thoughts.
Debbie,
I’m so happy she is doing so much better. To have come back so far in the three weeks is an answered prayer from many of us. So thankful for friends like you and a special shout-out to Dr. Betty for her persuasive “house call.”
As far as I’m concerned, Betty saved her life. Aren’t we lucky to have such precious friends?