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May 14, 2006 -
Day 5 - Week 6 - Music – The Universal Antidote
In times of trouble, during the
joyous occasions, and when we are just plain hanging
around music plays a central part in our lives.
Most of us can remember the days when the music came
off a pressed piece of vinyl and our stacks of
records took up half our dorm room. Today, with an
Ipod or some such device that is smaller than a deck
of cards, we can carry around 1000 songs categorized
to suit our tastes and accessed with a push of a
button.
Each time I have been hooked up
for chemo one or more of my fellow travelers on the
journey could be seen wearing the familiar white ear
plugs associated with the I Pod music delivery
device.
Sure enough, I now have my own
little traveling c d store and got to thinking about
how song titles might define what people go through
when they have cancer. Here are a few suggestions:
“In My Life” from Les
Miserable reflects that all lives are a process, a
journey that has no clearly defined pattern. We all
need to be open to what comes.
“Good Times and Bad Times”
by the Stones reminds us not to celebrate or
mourn excessively for we will experience both during
our lifetime.
“Superstition” by
Stevie Wonder describes how because we are
surrounded by cancer, many respond – Am I next? And
if so, What then?
“My Prayer” by the
Platters, refers to the most common response to
people hearing of my illness – “I will keep you in
my prayers.” My prayer is that we all come together
to find why this illness is so prevalent so that
tomorrow’s children are not saddled with this
albatross.
“Tossing and Turning” by
Bobby Lewis is what someone who sees our bed in the
morning realizes I was doing all night. Common with
cancer, or unique to me?
“Pretending” by Eric
Clapton is part of the daily routine. We all have
our little pains and aches, but we have
responsibility on a daily basis, and we graciously
pretend everything is ok. I am no different.
“In the Jailhouse Now”
by the Soggy Bottom Boys honestly describes how I
feel some days. Trapped in an eight month routine
and a strange diet is part of the drill.
“Don’t Stop Believing”
by Journey is the mantra of all mantras to be
repeated many times daily by anyone challenged with
cancer.
“Beautiful Day” by U2 is
a meteorological description and a state of mind.
If there is sunshine within the troubled breast each
day is special.
“Lucky Man” by Emerson
and Lake reflects what my grandmother told me one
day as she put her arm around me. “You and I were
born under a lucky star” said Nanny Kreitler to 15
year old Pete. I agree.
This is my story, and I am
sticking to it. Perhaps you too might find a few
song titles to brighten your day or tell your
story. However, there is one song title that
foretells my future, that can be shared by family
and friends, and makes me smile whenever I hear it
played. It was best saved for last.
Tracy Byrd’s “Ten Rounds
with Jose Cuervo” sounds a lot better than Eight
Rounds with Chemo Therapy.
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