Cancer is a bad thing. It has obviously struck our family out of the blue, and as it did so, make no mistake that it has rocked our foundation to the core. We’re asking questions and looking for answers… answers that we’re learning aren’t necessarily there for us just yet. Our friends and family are asking questions too, and we’ve been overwhelmed by the desire of others to provide us with help and support. It’s hard… what do you say to help someone who has just been diagnosed with cancer? It’s a frustrating situation for all involved… everyone wants to help, but there’s only so much one can do. Tremendously frustrating for all involved.
People want to help, and we want people to know that their encouraging words and support are indeed helping. How do we let our friends and community know how much their support is appreciated… that’s hard too. Hopefully by posting on the blog I’m able to – even in some small way – pass along our gratitude? I mean it when I say that we feed off of that positive energy every day, and we are truly and eternally grateful for the generous outpouring of love we are experiencing every day. In addition to the incredible support our entire local community is nurturing us with, as we navigate this sometimes unpredictable journey, we’ve been especially blessed with the additional and remarkable support of certain individuals.
Here’s one such individual… Debbie. Debbie is one of my angels. Debbie and Jeff have the most beautiful family of three wonderful boys and a gorgeous, black standard poodle named Sidney. I have had the very good fortune to coach one of their boys on my high school soccer team, and in doing so, I have also had the even better fortune of getting to know this wonderful family just a little bit better.
Debbie is a nurse – Â wow, that’s such a short word that in no way describes the role that Debbie has helped play in my dealing with this situation – she has meant so, so much more to our family. I’ve had a few hiccups (literally and figuratively) along the way, and as one of the angel nurses on the sixth floor of the Eastern Maine Medical Center who has been trusted with my care on more than one occasion since the diagnosis, I feel as though Debbie has indisputably influenced my very existence.
So… how to thank someone for giving so much? Impossible. But when I’m able to reproduce an image of mine that means a lot to me – this canvas of an early summer morning sunrise from the summit of Cadillac in Acadia National Park – and see Debbie so happy to receive it as a small token of thanks and hang it in her home… that makes me proud, honored and very humble. One of my angels… Debbie. Thank you.
Stories from home 
Nurses can make all the difference in the world and they do so with no expectations of gratitude. I’m sure Debbie was thrilled to receive such a beautiful gift. My thoughts are with you through all of your difficulty.
Thank you.
The Big C has to be one of the most scary and distressing of all life threatening Health conditions. I don’t know one single family who has not been visited by the Big C.
It’s a time when you find the strength of both yourself and those around you. Great nurses are Angels in disguise. Loving Kindness and Compassion is something many doctors are not trained in, which is where the support and gentleness of a great nurse comes to the fore.
I’m sure Debbie will be touched by your very personal gift. A gift from the Heart is always welcome. And I’m sure she would be touched by your public acknowledgement of her care & support too.
Life is full of Trial and Challenges, but a positive mind is paramount as you face your Health Challenges. And Hope. Always keep Hope at the forefront of your mind. Just take each day one at a time.
Thanks. Debbie and her fellow angels have definitely been an incredibly positive force in my treatment so far.
Dear David,
Your words come straight from your soul onto the written page. I understand there are more questions than answers, and that this journey is a day-by-day experience. The support your are receiving from others and your response to those whom support you is the essence of what life is really all about. Debbie’s gift of kindness, generosity and time have impacted you like no other. I would dare say that your image which you gave her, with the deepest gratitude, is a treasure for her to cherish all of her life. I, for one, am blessed to witness these acts of love in the midst of pain and confusion. Ironically, but that is where love hangs out the most.
Michael
Thanks Michael.
Hey David,
I think of you and your family often and my prayers and thoughts are with you. The people (and dog) around you around you are a true gift! Get Well!
Sean
Thanks Sean… much appreciated.
David, Your message is beautiful. Your gratitude comes through loud and clear as though luring out directly from your heart and soul, surpassing the pen and paper, or keyboard. You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. I wish you all the best with obtaining answers and with healing. Blessings, Robyn
Thanks Robyn.
Cool. I’m sure she is thrilled with it.
Thanks.
I am sure Debbie would say that is what she is supposed to do. But there is something about a person that you just know they are doing more than ‘what they are supposed to do.’ So happy for you, David, that you have such a wonderful support system. That means so much. Take care. And I love the posts.
Thanks.
I always love your pictures they can transport me right to the very place I’m looking at that my friend is a wonderful talent so thanks. I am so glad your support system is in place and it works for you. God Bless you and take care. Kat
Thanks Kay. I am very lucky to have the support we’re receiving.
You give so freely and kindly of your creative eye to readers/fellow bloggers, it is wonderful to hear that you are also receiving great support both physical and spiritual from friends, family, neighbors, and acquaintances. Many sincere wishes that you will get better quickly!
Thank you. I do indeed feel very fortunate for the support I have been receiving.
I’ve been following your blog for some time now, David, and I’m always glad to see some of your great photo’s and to read your little stories about your family and Oliver. Since I read your announcement about the staggering fact they diagnosed that sneaky decease I want to write you some encouraging words but didn’t have the guts to do so. Anyway, what I want to say is that I feel with you and your family (although I don’t know you very well), and I wish you and your family the very best and a lot of support of your surrounding. 🙂
P.s. Pardon my poor English (one of the reasons it took me so long to write you these (hopefully) encouraging words.
Mark. Thank you. I appreciate the support.
Ual, que lindo.