A five year survivor from cancer shed light on her journey, both as a caregiver and then unfortunately, as a patient. “You mourn the other life”, the life that was prior to the affliction, she reflected. And then spoke about how she learned to live her new life, with a brand new perspective. Her husband succumbed to the dreaded disease, but now she lives for her young son, and to make the most of the cards that have been dealt.
I could not help but notice her strength, her resolve, and her compassion as she shared the story of her journey. The ups. The downs. The new normal.
It’s ironic how life gets in the way of the plans we make. How a new perspective makes us change our priorities and our goals, and how we live our lives.
I was touched by the kindness and compassion of an empathetic neighbor who took the time to shed light on her journey. And for giving us a sense of the journey ahead, for a loved one. I sense I will lean on her shoulder in the months ahead.
About Hemant Rustogi