May 1, 2006 - Day 6 - Week 4 - Smile

In summary:  Every day a new introduction, a creative avenue to explore, a greeting from a friend, a note of encouragement and a sense that people care. Surrounded by such a cloud of witnesses, it is no wonder that my first month with cancer has been filled with surprises and hope. No negatives, a few slow days with not much energy, and one round down with seven to go.  Never on the ropes, though cancer is relentless, I look forward to round two. It begins Wednesday.

Here are some of the sentiments from the cards designed to make me smile, bring yellow in to my day, and encourage me.  They worked.

1.  “Anything I can do to help? -- Just holler and I’ll be there”

2.  “Rest Renew Relax Restore Heal -- Be Well Very Soon”

3.  “Get well soon! And Remember! The key to a speedy recovery is a lifetime, Of clean living and good habits! -- You’re doomed!”

4. “Unfortunately, our X ray department is on strike.  But if you’ll describe your pain in detail, our staff sketch artist will give us a fairly accurate drawing of the problem. – Hope you’re back to picture perfect condition soon.”

5. “Hang in there…sometimes life hands you lemons, but then you can make lemonade. – Of course, sometimes life pulls down your pants, runs a power sander across your naked butt, then pours lemon juice on your raw, abraded buttocks. In that case, a cool citrus drink wouldn’t really help, but darn it…you’ve got to hang in there anyway!”

6. “Just a thought to cheer you:  Think how LUCKY you are that the person who made your GET-WELL CARD. – (upside down) Didn’t go into medicine.”

7. “Good Health – Healing – Cheer – Rest – Happiness – Vitality – Comfort – Relaxation – Sending healing thoughts your way with the hope you’re feeling better today!”

8. “Would a smile help? – Or even better, a whole bunch of smiles?”

The smile factor may be the difference between long term health and perpetual sickness.

Back to Week 4