The Power of Words
Two weeks ago, we went to a walk-in clinic thinking we were dealing with constipation or an obstruction in the bowels. From there it went to cancer - stage four – ten months at the most. Then down the cancer trail of blood work, X-rays, CT scan, biopsy and the cancer ward.
We thought the first crisis was over on Tuesday when he came home from the hospital. But something was wrong. He seemed fine in the hospital – all hooked up to intravenous drip and all - but the minute he got home it was as if he was deteriorating before my very eyes. His breathing was becoming labored getting worse by the minute. What is happening? Why would they send him home in this state? Where were the pain killers? Was this the new normal? I thought we would at least have a few months to say our goodbyes….
Someone had given us the cell number of someone who worked with other gallbladder cancer patients. “Take him back to St. B. emergency… “ she said calmly.
We went back, and he went through some more tests. They eventually found the cause of this new crises and drained his abdomen of 4 liters of fluid. No wonder he could hardly breathe.
That was Thursday, he came home Friday - a different man.
Meanwhile I am reassessing my life. I’ve taken a leave from practicing therapy and a leave from pastoring. I’ve completed teaching my life writing course just in time and taking a respite from board work.
I might just have become a nurse – poor Cliff.
Believe me! All of this is made easier by the conversations we are having.
It used to be telephone calls and cards, now its texts, emails messages, comments, cell phone, Face Time, Zooms, cards, flowers, visits, etc. Not complaining the more words the better!
It is all comforting and reassuring but I still cry at a drop of a hat.
At one very serious meeting over a cup of coffee. I warned her. “No crying.”
Well that didn't help at all. In fact it just opened the flood gates for both of us!
So grateful for the tears. So grateful for so much!
Thank you!
"One kind word can change someone's entire day." -Unknown
We thought the first crisis was over on Tuesday when he came home from the hospital. But something was wrong. He seemed fine in the hospital – all hooked up to intravenous drip and all - but the minute he got home it was as if he was deteriorating before my very eyes. His breathing was becoming labored getting worse by the minute. What is happening? Why would they send him home in this state? Where were the pain killers? Was this the new normal? I thought we would at least have a few months to say our goodbyes….
Someone had given us the cell number of someone who worked with other gallbladder cancer patients. “Take him back to St. B. emergency… “ she said calmly.
We went back, and he went through some more tests. They eventually found the cause of this new crises and drained his abdomen of 4 liters of fluid. No wonder he could hardly breathe.
That was Thursday, he came home Friday - a different man.
Meanwhile I am reassessing my life. I’ve taken a leave from practicing therapy and a leave from pastoring. I’ve completed teaching my life writing course just in time and taking a respite from board work.
I might just have become a nurse – poor Cliff.
Believe me! All of this is made easier by the conversations we are having.
It used to be telephone calls and cards, now its texts, emails messages, comments, cell phone, Face Time, Zooms, cards, flowers, visits, etc. Not complaining the more words the better!
It is all comforting and reassuring but I still cry at a drop of a hat.
At one very serious meeting over a cup of coffee. I warned her. “No crying.”
Well that didn't help at all. In fact it just opened the flood gates for both of us!
So grateful for the tears. So grateful for so much!
Thank you!
"One kind word can change someone's entire day." -Unknown
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