Thursday, June 9, 2011

A REALLY GOOD DAY



Some days just rock. They bring good news, they teach, or they make you feel all warm and glowy. Wednesday was such a day, it did all three.

It did not start out as such. It started out with a tinge of anxiety and a bit of dread. It was time for my six month cancer check up. Cancer and I have danced since the year 2000 and while I am definitely winning this bout, cancer has gotten in its blows.

As some of you know, I have bladder cancer which is highly treatable if caught early and you keep on top of it. Both scenarios have been my good fortune.

The discouraging aspect is that it can and almost certainly will come back. I will go a year or two with clean check ups and then the bad news will hit that it is back. Last time, I had been clean 2 years when it returned.

Well once again, I have reached the 2 year mark so I was a bit anxious of a repeat downer this time. My doctors office is in a town about 50 miles from here so I leave early just in case I get behind a log truck or an RV which can really add time on these skinny mountain roads.

Thus, I arrived at the office a half an hour early and he was running a half hour late. I swear, the best magazine in the waiting room was a 1987 National Geographic. It was a bit nice reading about a quieter time in the world but I soon looked around for some one to chat with.

A really nice granny type put her book aside  and we started to talk when a young woman with an infant in a car seat came in and sat near us. She was trying to keep the baby quiet and fill out the necessary forms while balancing a clip board when his little head turned red with an angry cry.

All of us offered smiles of encouragement but my granny buddy went one better. She got up, asked if she could hold the baby and then received him from a grateful mom. He was only 8 weeks old and he nestled into her arms as if they were kin. They were instantly comfortable with each other.

You could just see the weight lift off the mother's shoulders and a sweet smile erased the worry lines seeing her son safe and content. Bless his little heart, that tiny, beautiful boy had two club feet. Granny cradled those twisted feet gently in her hand and rocked him quickly to sleep

Not my picture but from the Web.
The young mother wore no wedding ring so I don't know if the father was in the picture or not. I am a great listener but not much of an interviewer. Her relief in having someone give her a moments respite from the care of her baby was evident.

We learned that he is scheduled for treatment as soon as he is old enough. She was delighted to have found a hospital that will use the Ponseti method on him.

He will be put in a series of soft casts every two weeks that will slowly force the feet into proper alignment. It is supposed to be a painless and non-surgical method to correct his feet. I was surprised to learn this is a fairly common condition.

When Mom learned that Granny lived 50 miles away like me, she was very disappointed. She has been looking for someone to help her by baby sitting and thought she had found the perfect person. There was such longing in her face. I can only hope she finds that perfect person.

Granny told of her own grandchildren. Out of 13, two have Downs Syndrome. She then said something that maybe you have heard before but I haven't and neither had the young mother.

This baby was going to be born this way to someone, somewhere. God just made sure he went to a Mother that would be able to take care of him the way he should be. This was no accident of birth, you were chosen to be his mother.” The granny spoke with absolute conviction.

That, whether true or not, is a beautiful thought. I do believe strangers are often thrown together for a reason. I could almost see the light go on in that young mother's face.

She could have been thinking she had this baby with such special needs as a form of punishment for some past deed, maybe just a cruel twist of fate but certainly not because perhaps she was special her self. I swear I saw her sit up taller and stronger. It is amazing what a few well thought out words can do.

Granny soon went in to see her doctor and the mother and I talked a while then she and the baby went in to see hers. It was the last I saw of either of them but I will remember all three.

Then it was my turn. I have gone through this procedure so many times but each time a bit of anxiety grabs my heart. Twenty two cancerous tumors have been removed over the years. Will this time be one of those where surgery has to be scheduled or will I get an all clear?

Yipee!! I got a clean check up once again and I am good for 6 more months. I asked if I would ever get my check ups to a year apart and he laughingly said, “Sure, in 2013 if you stay clean.” That seems forever away but it is OK, I know the rules and am comfortable with them. So you see, it really was a good day. I sure hope yours was also.

52 comments :

  1. Patti, what a great story about people thrown together for a purpose. Congratulations on your clean bill of health.

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  2. Congrats Patti, what a great story, let's hope this lasts forever for you instead of coming back. Do you drink pure cranberry juice? I think it helps with the bladder and kidneys. I drink it every day, the pure stuff without any sugar or high fructose corn syrup in it.

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  3. Glad to hear you got the all clear!

    What a great story too. I definitely believe that God brings people in the form of angels into our lives for different reasons. It's just that sometimes we chose to ignore them.

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  4. Great story!!! Very touching...
    I'm so glad for you. My brother has had a brain tumor that tends to grow back...so he has to have those annual checkups. Every clean one is a hurrah!!!

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  5. Chance Encounters of the Third Kind! What a lovely story.

    I'm so glad you got good news from your checkup and hope it continues that way!

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  6. You have simply made my day with this wonderful story, Patti. You told it so well, too. I am amazed at what a few words and someone with a good heart like the grandmother in this story can do. She makes a difference in my world and I will never even be in the same room with her. She touched you, and you touched me. Thank you!

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  7. This post is wonderful. I believe the four of you were brought together for a purpose and that purpose was fulfilled. What a sweet story.

    Yipee!!! Wonderful news sweet Patti. I hope and pray you keep getting those clear and good reports. Hugs

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  8. You always tell the best stories!! What a wonderful thing that woman said to that young mother. Too bad you and she live 50 miles from her.

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  9. Bravo!!! Keep the faith!

    I also believe that we are placed in circumstances all day long that are filled with meaning if we will only recognize them. This certainly happened to you yesterday.

    God bless you.

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  10. Great news about the check-up! That was a nice story. How wonderful for that young woman to be given such a boost. You witnessed grace in action.

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  11. Thank you...thank you for this blog post.....just heard from a dear friend which has the same condition...she needs to read your good news and know she's not alone...
    Congrats..!!!

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  12. Patti, this is so touching. First, glad your check-up went well.

    What Granny told the young mother about this baby being chosen for her because he needed her was perfect. It brought tears to my eyes. I too believe that you 4 met for a purpose.

    I put a link to your blog on Twitter. I have some Twitter friends who enjoy feel good stories.

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  13. I'm so glad you got that good check up! And I'm sure you and granny both helped that young mother. Very wise words.

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  14. Hi Patti, first of all Congrats! on the good news at your check up. And I had tears in my eyes after reading the touching story with the young mother and the granny. I don't think it was a coincidence that you all were at the doctor's office at that particular time. Enjoy your day!

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  15. Good to hear the clean bill. Yes, indeed, spending time in a doctor's office opens our eyes to all kinds of life experiences.
    May all your days be Good!

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  16. Congratulations on your excellent check-up! That is such good news. Waiting rooms are such interesting places. You never know who you are going to meet, and every one of them is a story waiting to be told. I hope that baby does well.

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  17. Happy dance ~ HAPPY DANCE!!! So happy that you had a good CLEAN CHECKUP!!!
    We need more sweet grannys in this world:)

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  18. My youngest son John was born with this foot condition. He went through braces after braces all through his infancy and toddler years. Then he wore special shoes for years. He was doing just fine before a stupid driver ran over him in a pedestrian crosswalk. Now he has pins in his left ankle and chronic pain. Sometimes no matter what we do things don't turn out the way we wanted. Hopefully, this baby will have a good outcome that survives adolescence. Dianne

    PS, congrats on your other good news.

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  19. Hi Patti,

    Oh, I am so glad that you are doing excellent. I didn't know about your cancer at all.

    Your waiting room story brought tears to my eyes; it is so precious. Thanks for sharing it and for writing it so well, in the way that you do.

    Hugs,

    Kathy M.

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  20. Wow! You certainly had one of those 'feel good' days...I am so thankful that your cancer screening came back clear. You know Granny has a point about babies being born to mother's who truly need them!
    I also beleive we learn a great deal from strangers...lucky for you and those others you were there to benefit from their lives and wisdom!

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  21. Wonderful story Patti.....and I truly believe people are thrown together for a reason...no accidents! Congratulations on you great report!!!!!!!!

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  22. Patti, I'm so happy to hear your news. This is just wonderful. Now, we will all be praying you staying cancer free way beyond 2013.

    This was a very nice post. I hope the mother from the waiting room continues to find some good support out there.

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  23. I'm so glad you shared this with us Patti - I needed to hear this. Just this morning I asked God to help me love other people the way He does, even when I don't particularly like them. :) This was a wonderful reminder that loving others can mean validating their worth so that they KNOW how much He loves them. blessings, marlene

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  24. marciamayo,
    Thanks marcia. I felt very lucky to witness it.

    Linda Starr,
    Yep I do Linda. Don't know if it helps or not but I just like anything cranberry.

    LLCool Joe
    Thanks Joey and I agree. Sadly sometimes those persons are lost in all the noise called life.

    turquoisemoon,
    I understand what your brother is experiencing and hope he keeps getting those clean check ups. Thank you.

    Pat,
    Thanks Pat, it was a special thing to see.
    I have been quite fortunate.

    Djan,
    Thank you so much and now I have been touched by your comment.

    Mumsy,
    I believe those three were meant to meet, my job was just to record it. Thank you.

    kenju,
    Thanks Judy. I do hope she finds some one close by that will give her some relief.

    Clint,
    Often it is not a big thing that can bring comfort. Sometimes a touch or just a kind word helps.

    Olga,
    Thank you. I feel so lucky to have been a witness.It was a special moment.

    Blue Ridge Boomer,
    Please tell your friend this is a very treatable disease. She just has to be diligent and stay positive.

    Miss Dazey,
    Thank you so much for the Twitter link. That granny said absolutely the right thing.

    Ellen,
    Thank you. Granny gets all the credit, I just feel so lucky to have been there.

    Cheryl,
    Thank you. I am sure that girl needed exactly what that granny gave her. The timing was perfect.

    rosaria,
    Thank you. I always learn something with each waiting room encounter. It is never wasted time.

    robin,
    You are so right. There is a story in every chair in the waiting room. Thank you.

    mel,
    Yes it is Happy Dance time. Thank you for kicking up your heels also.

    Dianne,
    I am so sorry about the lousy break your son got. That just isn't fair.

    Oregon gifts,
    Thanks Kathy. It brought tears of joy to my eyes also.

    Tracy,
    Thank you. I felt what she said was perfect for that young mother who needed some positive support.

    Oklhdan,
    Thanks so much. I totally agree with you.

    Retired English Teacher,
    Surely that helped her to adjust to her situation a little better and to know she was not alone.
    Thank you, I am looking forward to 2013.

    Stichinbythelake,
    I am so glad my post was timely for you. Sometimes it is difficult to love the unlikable.

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  25. Congratulations on your good news. Now you can breathe easy for a few months more.

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  26. So glad you got a clean bill of health at the doctor's.
    In the midst of all the bad things happening in the world, it is refreshing to hear about someone whose kindness brings a ray of sunshine and hope to another person.

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  27. Congrats to you on your good check up...and for noticing an event and being the story teller for us. Such a sweet narrative. Uplifting, really, when you come home from work and then sit to read a few posts and find one like this. Thanks!

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  28. Wonderful news about your checkup, Patti! It's amazing how simple kindness can lift a burden, at least for a little while. My son was born with a club foot and had a year of the casts which didn't work so then he had to have the surgery. I had a wonderful nurse when he was born (along with his twin brother). I was frightened not only by his condition but also about having to care for 2 babies. With a few well-chosen words, she, too, lifted my heart so I began to believe I'd do just fine by both babies. I do believe in the power of kindness.

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  29. Lovely story, and congratulations on your good news!

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  30. Heartwarming story and good news for you... Way to go Patti!

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  31. Your post I guess was a stress relief for me, Patti...it has me crying for personal reasons as well as your beautiful story of the young mother and yourself, Patti. My son just received the results of his eye surgery biopsy, it was not the deadly melanoma type.

    I hope you continue to have good test results for years to come!

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  32. This morning I shed tears for those who really care for others. Thank you Patti for this post about the young lady, baby and Grandma and the love shown. Thank you for trusting your readers with your wonderful news about your personal health. May you continue to have good news, health wise. Sarah in OK

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  33. islandwonder,
    Thank you so much.

    Betty,
    Thanks, I am good for 5 months and 3 weeks.

    Sweet Virginia Breeze.
    Thank you and you are right. We sometimes forget will all the bad we hear that daily, neat people are doing nice things.

    Deb,
    Thank you and I am so glad this story caught you at a good time.

    Barb,
    I can imagine how frightening it is to a young mother like you were to be facing a long process. I am so glad you had someone to reach out to you and to say the right thing. Human touch is so important.

    Linda Myers,
    Thank you so much. I'm good for 6 more months.

    troutbirder,
    Thank you so much TB. Feeling good.

    Wanda,
    That is wonderful news about your son. I know you have been so worried. We can both be happy and relieved.Thank you.

    Sarah,
    Thank you so much for stopping by and for your very thoughtful comment.

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  34. It is nice to return to blogging and find good news. You have a wonderful out look to life and a gift for sharing it. :)

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  35. What a beautiful story -- and what wonderful news, Patti! I'm so glad you had such an excellent day!

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  36. I am so glad you got a clean check up! I can understand the anxiety you have to go through!
    What a beautiful story, Patti! It's something to remember.

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  37. What a beautiful day for you and your new friends. Shame there wasn't some way to keep in touch with them. Perhaps in six months you may run into them again. That was an awesome visit to receive that clean bill of health. Hoping your next will be just as wonderful. I go again in Oct. and I can stop taking that pill in Feb. Am I cured? I don't think anyone ever knows that answer, but it took from 1997 to 2006 before it came back. So I feel pretty lucky. Celebrate by eating something sweet that you normally wouldn't indulge in.

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  38. Yes, a good day and your wonderful chronicle of your day just made mine even better! So happy about your good report!

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  39. What a lovely story! I remember being in the grocery store with a young mother trying to shop with a very fussy infant. I leaned over and said, "What a beautiful baby". She smiled uncertainly until i said "Que Bonita bebe." Her smile said it all. Never miss an opportunity to be kind. It's a gift for both parties.

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  40. Dee,
    Thanks and so good to hear from you again.

    Dr. Kathy McCoy,
    Thank you so much, it was a winner for me.

    Reader Wil,
    Thanks Wil. I try not to let it get me but it always does.

    Patty,
    Thanks so much and I am praying for good results for you in Oct. We just take it a step at a time.

    LC
    I am so happy this gave you a lift. You are dealing with your own problems.

    pinke paints,
    Thank you so much for stopping by. And you are so right, a kind word carries a lot of weight.

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  41. Terrific news about your check up for this year. I believe a good attitude has a lot to do with our health, also.

    It sometimes takes so little to make a person's day--a smile, a kind comment, a sympathetic touch. We should all do more of it. A great story, well told as always.

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  42. Now trying to post for 6th time. I sent a reply to a previous comment to me.

    Most important congrats on clean cancer check up. Mine is in Sept.

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  43. What a thought provoking waiting room story. Such positive thoughts. I definitely believe the baby soul has karma to fulfill and since the baby chooses the parents, he chose this woman to fulfill his destiny this lifetime. Wise Granny.
    Congratulations on your good news checkup. You are such a ray of sunshine and a joy to follow.
    Manzanita@Wannabuyaduck

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  44. The comment Granny made to the young mother about being selected for that particular job...Those almost exact words were spoken to me once, during a particular tough time. I am like you, I am not sure that is true but at the time it did brace me up a bit for the challenge. A wise Granny - Encouragement at the right time and said the right way can be pretty gosh darn powerful. Nice rendition of a unique office visit. I gotta go now, I seem to have something in my eye.

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  45. RV Vagabonds,
    You are so right and a few words or touch cost us nothing but bring so much. Thank you.

    Nitwit,
    So sorry you have been assulted by Blogger. Bad Blogger.
    Hoping for Sept. to bring you good news also.

    manzanita,
    Had not heard it put just that way but why not? Thank you for thinking so and for your good wishes.

    Grayquill,
    I am so glad there was someone in your life to provide the right words. It is amazing to see how just a few words can lift a spirit.
    You are just the sweetest.

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  46. Hi Patti,

    I am here for the first time.
    This post really inspired me. Hats of to your positive attitude and also the attitude of the other people you met :)

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  47. Pattu dear, you are the great great story teller....And this was such a good one---ALL Around!
    CONGRATULATIONS on another six months, my dear....!!! That is the BEST news of all!

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  48. Tan,
    Thank you so much for stopping by and for your sweet commment.

    OOLOH,
    Thank you Naomi. It really was a good day all round.

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  49. Today I read this post and it warmed my heart a lot!! I had to give you a compliment. You managed to remind me how we all struggle to keep that cancer away. Thanks so much.

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  50. Great news! YAY, PATTI! That's wonderful! :D

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  51. KleinsteMotte,
    You are a survivor also and know the drill. It never totally leaves us but we are so lucky to be where we are.

    Lynda G.
    Thank you so much Lynda.

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