We headed out early to Birmingham this morning for Jilda's monthly infusion treatment. The nurses wanted to get away by noon so they asked if we'd mind coming in early. These folks are angels, and anything we can do to make their lives easier, is find by us.
Spirits were higher than usual. It seems for some folks, the pall of 2014 somehow felt lighter today, and the new year held promise.....even hope.
Some of the people who come to that room are so close to the edge, that a simple bump in the road can cause them to slip away.
Going there each month is no party, but it seems Jilda refuses to give in to the depression that is so common among the regulars. Sitting there today I watched as she carried on with her friend Louis whom we befriended when she first started coming. Together they lift the spirits of everyone around them.
Even newcomers, when they hear the laughter, and stories, they tend to smile. Often they scoot their chairs a little closer. And sometimes they join in.
The nurses now know to schedule Louis' treatments for the same day that Jilda is there. He's been through several bouts of cancer and has been a regular in the treatment room for 18 years. It's almost as if he holds court. No one comes into the room or leaves without an acknowledgement and a smile. He too is like an angel.
I was thinking about those things this evening after sunset when I stepped out onto the back deck. A cloud drifting off to the east caught my eye. The sun, which had dipped below the horizon, changed the cotton cloud into what looked like a rose-colored angel with wings spread. I was so awed, I almost forgot to capture the moment.
I hope you all have a safe and prosperous New Year.
Spirits were higher than usual. It seems for some folks, the pall of 2014 somehow felt lighter today, and the new year held promise.....even hope.
Some of the people who come to that room are so close to the edge, that a simple bump in the road can cause them to slip away.
Going there each month is no party, but it seems Jilda refuses to give in to the depression that is so common among the regulars. Sitting there today I watched as she carried on with her friend Louis whom we befriended when she first started coming. Together they lift the spirits of everyone around them.
Even newcomers, when they hear the laughter, and stories, they tend to smile. Often they scoot their chairs a little closer. And sometimes they join in.
The nurses now know to schedule Louis' treatments for the same day that Jilda is there. He's been through several bouts of cancer and has been a regular in the treatment room for 18 years. It's almost as if he holds court. No one comes into the room or leaves without an acknowledgement and a smile. He too is like an angel.
I was thinking about those things this evening after sunset when I stepped out onto the back deck. A cloud drifting off to the east caught my eye. The sun, which had dipped below the horizon, changed the cotton cloud into what looked like a rose-colored angel with wings spread. I was so awed, I almost forgot to capture the moment.
I hope you all have a safe and prosperous New Year.
I see a giant dove in the picture, which is pretty darn close to an angel. Wishing you a healthy and prosperous 2015. Happy new Year.
ReplyDeleteThank you Stephen.
DeleteVery inspiring story and picture Rick, A happy and healthy New Year for you and Jilda my friend.
ReplyDeleteDoctors are learning that a positive outlook and laughter are instrumental in the healing process. Those who can keep a smile are more likely to respond well to any medical problem. As a cancer survivor (I hate that term) I send my best to Jilda.
DeleteThanks Jimmy. Emma, you are so right. Fortunately, Jilda doesn't have cancer, but a problem with her immune systems that requires her to do these monthly treatments. We spend five hours each month in that room.
DeleteI take my laptop and write. My column that goes in newspaper Sunday was written there yesterday :)
I missed it, but Stephen has it right.
ReplyDeleteYou can see so much in clouds. That's why I look at them every chance I get.
DeleteAll my best wishes for the coming year!
ReplyDeleteAnd you Geo.
DeleteIt is wonderful to hear of folks who are good at their jobs, and do the work. the best to you and Jilda. Love the Unique shot. Now from us to you guys:
ReplyDelete♪ღ♪*•.¸¸¸.•*¨¨*•.¸¸¸.•*•♪ღ♪¸.•*¨¨*•.¸¸¸.•*•♪ღ♪•*♪•*•♪ღ♪¸.•*¨¨*•
ღ♪░ H░A░P░P░Y░ N░E░W░ ░Y░E░A░R░░░2015░! ░♪ღ ░ ░♪ღ ♪*•♪ღ♪*•.¸¸¸.•*¨¨*•.¸¸¸.•*•♪¸.•*¨¨*•.¸¸¸.•*•♪ღ♪•«•*•♪ღ♪¸.•*¨¨*•
These folks are very good Jack. We appreciate them so much.
DeleteI also appreciate you.
Happy New Year Rick... I wish you and Jilda the best in 2015... with lots of your dreams happening ;)
ReplyDeleteHappy new year to you, Jilda & Jordan!!
ReplyDeleteA fabulous photo, Rick. I see a dove or angel, not sure which. I don't know if Jilda has cancer or not but wish you both a healthy and happy new year. Susan
ReplyDeleteGoodness, but this hit home. When Tom was first scheduled to begin chemo, getting his mood out of the basement seemed an impossible task. Only through one amazing nurse and a couple of joy-FULL 'regulars' like your Jilda did he finally come around. Amazing, isn't it, what a difference even one person's cheerful attitude can make? Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year ;o) I am sorry about the cancer! Gorgeous photo ;o)
ReplyDeleteHello Rick, You are so blessed to have these lessons of how we all can encourage and act as an angel to those who need help! May you and your lovely have a better and sweeter New Year! I appreciate you and your words!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Roxy
Good post. I love to see and hear about the angels in disguise. Sometimes just a smile or kind word can really brighten someone's day.
ReplyDeleteI'm happy to hear she doesn't have cancer, but I know from personal experience that problems with the immune system can create hell on earth too. Rick, I wish the two of you a happy 2015. May it be a good one.
ReplyDeleteBlue
If we are lucky, we meet all sorts of angels in our lives, especially when we need them most. Sounds like Louis is just that type of person. I have met my share and will never forget them...they were there when I needed them most and given the opportunity, I would gladly be there for them.
ReplyDelete