Sunday, May 17, 2009

In the Words of JT

This entry is going to be a bit of a love fest but I've got to gush a bit. James Taylor's "You've Got a Friend" lyrics have never resonated so much with me as they have over these past couple of weeks. I am truly so humbled and comforted by the tremendous outpouring of support from my amazing friends---both close and distant, ones I talk to every day and people I haven't talked to since middle school. My co-workers (current and former), complete strangers that I've connected with on online cancer support sites, neighbors, and oh, my incessantly loving family---on all sides. 

Getting whopped with a cancer diagnosis isn't so bad when you have so many people there waiting to catch you when it all gets a bit overwhelming and even more there to help build you right back up after you've fallen. My nausea is no match for a surprise visit from the most energetic woman I know, Judy, complete with pints of ice cream, some personal singing performances and oodles of good, old-fashioned Broadway musicals on VHS for me to watch and sing along to. 

My fatigue fades when our oh-so-caring neighbors pop over with trays of stuffed shells, salad and lemonade for dinner enjoying shared stories with them and their kids (the cutest kids EVER), watching our hurricane photos on a slideshow and playing with dry ice over creamy ice creams with chocolate sauce. Who'd ever think that my car smashed into their garage on its own accord the second day in the neighborhood? That's what you call forgiveness. 

And the influx of heartfelt e-mails, Facebook messages, voicemails, chatting sessions, surprise packages, frozen meals, flowers and get well/kick cancer in the ass cards have each touched me in ways I can't get into words. I've always treasured those close to me, but the power of the human connection is more real than ever to me now. I think that realization has been the greatest gift of all. How could I be so lucky? It gives me an even greater zest for life and a determination for beating this so that I can spend the rest of my life giving back to all those who helped me through and those that I haven't even met yet. 

4 comments:

  1. Karin-
    you don't get it yet?! It's all coming back to you, because it's always what you put out! You don't owe anybody a thing. It's time to reap what you sow, Girl!!
    -Trish Blouin

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  2. Karin-
    You don't know me, but my mom heard about you from a friend in her chorus, Sound of New England. She sent me a link to your blog because you and I have a life-changing event in common. In July of last year I was diagnosed with stage 2 Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma. That's a form of Non-Hodgkins lymphoma and after 6 rounds of R-CHOP chemo and 3 weeks of radiation therapy I'm about to go in for my 6 month follow -up after being declared cancer-free. Reading your blog brings it all back for me, from your experience to your attitude. I too kept a blog during treatment (wdegraff.blogspot.com if you are interested) and I work at the hospital where I underwent treatment. It sounds like you are a strong and vibrant woman with an amazing outlook and support system. Those things alone will take you miles. I will pray for you and if you would like to chat you can email me at ajdegraff@sbcglobal.net. I will keep you in my thoughts and wait to hear of all the wonderful things you accomplish after you beat cancer.

    All the best -
    Abbey

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  3. I can’t agree more with Trish! Karin my darling, all these people are here for you possibly because you are lucky but more realistically because you are a kind, generous, thoughtful, bright, heartfelt and all around amazing person. You would do the same for any of us if the roles were reversed. Cancer is an awful thing to happen to anyone, especially someone as wonderful as you. We all just want to help you get thought it; I think we all want to play whatever part you want us to in your fight & recovery. Remember that we are all here for you whenever you need anything at all. You know all of us, what type or person we each are, you know what unique personalities and characteristics we each may offer you. So whenever you are feeling, well, whatever, think about who might offer you the type of support you need at that very moment and then let us know. And I am sure many of us will continue to pop in unexpectedly & try our best to give you what we think you may need. I know its odd I am speaking for others, many of which I don’t know & don’t know me, but we all have one thing in common – we all love you! And if its one thing I know, it’s that anyone who is fortunate enough to know you would be flattered to help & support you in any way possible. Thinking of you! Desiree xoxo

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  4. Ditto to what Desiree said. She hit the nail on the head. We all want to do something for you so just feel free to call us. YOu know my specialty so if you need a good laugh call me up and I can always give you updates on what is happening in my unique way ;-) Woot! Woot!

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