An update and a higher calling

The most profound thing happened to me this morning.

For one of my sons Eagle Scout project, he chose to raise money to make personal hygiene kits for people in area shelters.  This morning, I helped out by conducting a quality control assessment of the kits, making sure each kit had the proper items.  I personally opened and checked the contents of each and every one of the kits he made.

At first, this was just an item to check off my to-do list today, but as I opened each kit, I found myself thinking about each person that would receive it.  I couldn’t help but contemplate the horrible circumstances that would bring the recipient to a place where the gift of a small bag of toiletries would make a difference in their life, the sort of stuff we mindlessly throw into our suitcases when visiting a hotel.

I’ve never been without anything I needed.  I’ve always had a roof above my head and plenty of food to eat.  I go on vacations, and Christmas morning is always filled with presents galore. I’ve never walked a day in that recipient’s shoes.

My son (and, de facto, my family) has spent so much time managing the mechanics of meeting the Boy Scout requirements for an Eagle Scout project that we hadn’t paused a moment to think about the impact of what we were trying to accomplish.

I took a break from my morning task to have a cup of coffee in my warm, professionally decorated house.  I quietly sat, drinking my coffee, and tears started to fill my eyes.  How many people out there are in want?  How many need help?  An unmistakable voice came to me from deep within.  Don’t ignore these feelings, Beth.  Act on them.

I don’t know yet where these feelings are taking me, but they are so overwhelming that I know I’ve got to do something.  Something that connects me to the greater world around me.  Something that feeds my soul and helps warm other people’s hearts.  Ignoring these feelings just isn’t an option.

In this cancer journey, I’ve learned not to take my health for granted.  I think now I’m learning not to ignore my ability to help those who don’t have it as easy as me.

Yesterday, I had my follow up appointment with my radiation oncologist, hopefully for the last time.  By clinical examination, it’s good news.  There appears to be no evidence of the tumor any longer.  I’ll have an MRI in late December to confirm, but my doctor was especially encouraging.  Soon, I’ll be transferred back to the care of my gynecological oncologist for maintenance monitoring, and I’ll be finding my new normal...again.

I’m thankful for this process because it’s brought me to where I am today...and where I’ll be tomorrow.  I’ll keep you posted as developments occur.

I wish all of you the happiest, healthiest of holiday seasons...and be on the lookout for an opportunity to help somebody.  The simplest act of kindness can make a huge difference in someone’s life.