This week, we watched the clip of Gene Kelley dancing and singing in the rain. In the clip, there are people trying to rush by and get out of the rain, while Gene enjoys the rain. We were asked, who are we most like when hard times hit us? Are we like the people running to get away from it or like Gene and find joy in the rain. Whom do you see yourself like?
We have a young lady in my group, that recently (in December) lost her 13 year old son to brain cancer. This devastating loss is so very apparent on her face and in her eyes. My heart breaks for her loss.
She shared something in our group, that hit me like a ton of bricks. I think I can actually explain it now without crying.
She explained how her daily routine consisted of caring for her son. Which obviously included doctors, insurance, and lots of medications. She said, after he passed away, she opened the cabinet where they kept the medicine and it was empty, and now she doesn't know what to do with her time. When she said this, I found myself having a hard time catching my breath. Emma has a huge cabinet FULL of medicine! I suddenly had a vision of it being empty.
By the grace of God, another lady in my group started talking to her to encourage her. I was silent. My mind was reeling out of control. Cystic Fibrosis is a terminal illness. Emma can't survive long without her daily medications and treatments. The thought of it all being gone, no medication, no doctors to visit, no insurance to fight with, no labs to do, no stool to collect (I know, gross), no hospital stays...it was so hard for me to imagine!! Even now I am sitting in a doctors appointment for Emma while writing this!!
Later that day, my heart was still grieving this horrible thought. I received a call saying Emma's Medications were ready for pick up from our pharmacy (the lady that handles all Emma's meds, Suzanne, is AMAZING). I have to be honest, I've NEVER found more JOY then that trip to the pharmacy! As I walked out with Emma's medications in hand, I thought, today more than ever, I am like Gene Kelley!! Although my daughter is on more medications than most people, I will sing in the rain and be grateful that I live in a country that provides ways to prolong my child's life!!!
So as the title says:
Terminal Illness + Medications = Joy
From one mom to another: I hope you have a Singing in the Rain kind of day!!
Xoxox
Lisa
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