Today has been a very good day, most of this weekend, actually. This afternoon, I thought about times that were not so great and some of the things I've done to bring about a positive change in attitude. I take a walk on the beach, read a book in the sun, go to a movie, take a drive, throw myself into work or a project I love, talk with or have lunch with a good friend, or get on the computer and read caring, touching, supportive messages from my friends.
I have a special file where I keep the notes and ecards many have sent me. Each of you has played an important part in this adventure by either sharing support for my decisions, encouraging me to keep the faith, celebrating with me when there has been good news or just "being there".
Occasionally when I am not in my happy place, I turn to this collection to help me feel more positive and optimistic. When I read your notes, they remind me that there are others out there checking on how things are going; friends might be touched by feelings I am experiencing; they are living through my days with me without physical presence; and many are trying to figure out the best way to be of help.
Oh dear friends, you already are!
*Everyone needs reassurance, encouragement.
*Everyone needs to know they matter, in someway to someone.
*Everyone needs to have someone who listens and sincerely cares.
Many of you have reached out and given me these things...filling in the empty spaces...leaving footprints on my heart.
Here is just a small sample of the kind and thoughtful notes I have been blessed to receive:
Dear Donalee,
Many years ago a friend, who twice survived breast cancer, made a tapestry to record her struggles with this awful disease. This was done after she was healed the second time. She used various fabrics with various colors to record the history of her struggles.
Donalee, I can see your tapestry. I see bright yellows (happy face), I see reds (determination to seek the best decision), I see greens (new growth of hope), I see browns (being practical), I see blues (your tears) and I see multi-colored music notes woven into your tapestry; but I don’t see any black color. There is no blackness in your tapestry - because you have hope.
Perhaps tomorrow will be a better day with more music, more encouraging news and more sunshine.
You are still in my prayers.
Love, Angeline
Hi,
Well I read your blog. What a wonderful job you did and the research you did for yourself. I was just amazed and the end results seem pretty good. I guess this just proves that we need to be about 5 steps ahead of the doctors with questions, knowledge and so much more these days. I guess things in medicine have changed so much that this is a lesson everyone should learn.
I also had to share when I turned my calendar to look at August this saying was there and it remined me so much of you. "Never trouble another for what you can do yourself." You let those help when you needed them to and you did the rest. What a gal...Jim and your mom would be very proud of you.
Well I hope you are getting settled back into a normal life and resting from your trip. I am sorry I didn't know sooner about your cancer to help from long distance but your friends there seemed to be right with you when you needed them.
Take care and I'll be in touch, Cheryl
Hi Donalee,
"Inside myself is a place where I live all alone and that's where you renew your springs that never dry up."
Pearl S. Buck
This quote popped up on my homepage just now, and after reading your blog last night, made me think of you. I am thinking you are finding that space these past few days.
Love, Karen
Donalee,
No need to be a conversationalist. Just wanted you to know my heart is thinking of you today. His eye is on the sparrow!
Love, Rhonda
No matter how insignificant you may think the message...no matter how short or how long...even if it seems like nothing anyone would want to hear, need to hear, spend the time to check...I hope you will forget all that and send it anyway.
Each time a note is sent, it tells me you thought about me.
And when someone is entirely on their own, there IS no greater gift
Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness, my friends. I will enjoy sharing many warm and cheerful thoughts with you too.
Hugs, Donalee
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