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Lindsey Smith's avatar

I'm here for you...you don't know me or probably even need me! But I want you to know that each day I will be sending you thoughts of love and good health. You are a gift and I am in constant awe of you.

So deep breaths. "We" *are* right here holding you in our collective hearts because, even when I don't believe it myself, I think Jon's song is right "you're never alone". Love and strength beaming its way to you.

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Ruth Swain's avatar

I was an oncology nurse. It haunts me to this day and I am 70. You have inspired me to focus on the love my patients and I felt for one another, a love like no other kind. It was hard and I think I felt sorry for myself quite a bit, yet was bolstered by their courage, when they said, "It's going to be OK " to ME! when they saw tears in my eyes. I never have such poignant memories as those I have with cancer patients, especially younger ones. Such courage and so much to say to each other every chemo treatment! Of course the ones who died, are my angels. I keep angels on a little metal tree year round to remind me of that 15 year stint giving chemo to cancer patients. I refuse to call the winners, "survivors", because what does that say about those who's battle was just as brave, but lost. I don't know what to call them. But not a survivor. You made it, and as hard as it seemed when I read your book, one thought stayed in my head. She won't relapse. Not her. She's just not going to...And you did. I was bummed for days, thinking you wouldn't write and I wouldn't know where you were on this hardest journey of all. Thank you for being you. Not ever knowing you, I feel like I know you a bit. And I feel braver and stronger when I read your words. Life is hard in so many ways. You've got you head in an unusual space, which is beautiful and is actually helping more people than you'll ever know. I want you to live, I throw it out at the universe every day. Let this gifted authentic woman LIVE. And I mean it with all my heart. Keep writing. You help me, an old RN with chronic pain and migraine, and I need to read your words. Til I die first. GOT THAT. Me first. You in 70 years.....

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