A Little Substance

It's not all about the fashion and style, sometimes, we're given a violent shove into reality and we have to really concentrate on what matters.

Almost 25 years ago my mom fought and beat cancer. I was pretty young at the time, and to tell you the truth, didn't really know what was going on as it happened. A little less than 2 months ago we were given the devastating news that the cancer had returned. Talk about a wake-up call.

Being a grown woman, with a family, this diagnoses took on a whole new meaning for me. Not only did I have to deal with my own feelings, but how do I shield and not frighen my child? How do I take care of my mom and my family and hold it together? These were only a few of the many questions swirling through my mind.

Once the intial shock subsides, you switch to survival mode and focus on your loved one kicking cancer's ass! And it was made abundantly clear that that was possibe when she made the decision to have treatment at Cancer Treatment Centers of America.

This is where the substance comes in...

Not only is this unlike any other treatment center or hospital ever, but the people who work there are on another level! From the head surgeon to the guy who cleaned the floors, there wasn't a person I encountered who didn't welcome you with a smile. I met a patient in my numerous trips up and down the elevator who had her dog with her, appropriately wearing a "caretaker" bracelet around his collar. There was a piano player in the lobby, fishtanks and rockers throughout, and in a place of possible saddness, there was a an overwhelming feeling of calm and hope.

We focus so much on the harshness of the world and the things that are so small in the grand scheme of it all, that we so often forget about the things that really fill our souls. Like the love of family and the kindness of complete strangers.

Mom had her surgery on Friday and is doing well. Our road is still relatively uncretain, but she and we are not alone. She is a fighter and will be strong in no time!

So remember what really has substance in your life. Hold those you love close, and learn to let go of the things that don't matter. Don't give up on mankind, in the end, all we have is each other.

xoxo

#life