On June 8, I took, what to me seemed at the time, a huge risk. I published a post about having cancer.
And I asked for your love and support.
The post went up about 4:00 am mountain time, which is, of course, 6:00 am in the east. So I shouldn’t have been surprised when I opened my email as the sun was rising and found a message from a skier in Maine.
Here is what it said.
Friends have a phrase they use, which is a nuanced Quakerly version of “we are praying for you.” They say, “we are holding you in the light.” I am holding you in the light.
It was the first, of many, many messages that day that made me cry (in a good way).
For on that day, and in the days that followed, so very many of you reached out with similar sentiments.
Texts, voice mails, Facebook likes and posts, comments on my website: every time someone would reach out, I’d feel bolstered against my fear, and later, against my pain.
With each contact, I was overwhelmed – both by the caring and the generosity of so many who were praying, chanting, sending positive thoughts, projecting healing energy – and by the love each person expressed.
I’d feel myself in the light, supported by a cast of thousands. And as the light of so many combined prayers grew brighter, I grew stronger, physically and mentally.
Never Alone
Once upon a time, in a land before kids, I was a student at a mid-Atlantic university, studying for a graduate degree in Political Science (I know…what was I thinking?)
During this time, we were assigned a book that bemoaned the fracturing of American society and predicted a dystopian society in which people would be isolated in their homes, devoid of human fellowship, sitting alone in front of their TVs and computers.
Looking back at that thesis, it’s laughable.
Yes, I, like so many people, spend many hours in my office, in front of a computer. But these hours are never spent in isolation or loneliness.
Rather, many of them are spent in the expanded company of more friends than I can count, and quite possibly, more than I deserve.
While I may be the only one in the room, I know I’m never really alone.
Generous Love
So with that, I want to once again thank each of you who have prayed, chanted, sent energy and positive thoughts to me over the past month. I know what you did and I know that it helped.
Not even two weeks out of surgery, I had sad news from a friend who had just received a cancer diagnosis of his own. (If I didn’t know it before, I know it now: this disease is relentless.)
Thanks to the example of so many friends and so many strangers, I knew how to react.
I am holding him and his family in the light.
And I’m here for you, too. Should you find yourself in need of prayers, of being held in the light, reach out.
You’ll be amazed at what you receive. Not from just from me, but from all who hold you dear, whether you know them or not.
It’s an amazing world out there, filled with incredibly generous people, and boundless loving light.
And when we all work together, we’re miraculous.
Thank you for being on my team. I will gladly be on yours.
Just ask.
Related Posts:
- The Rock in My Way, June 8, 2015.
- The Not at All Brave (Ski) Mom, June 22, 2015.
- Lessons Learned, August 3, 2015.
© 2015 – 2017, braveskimom. All rights reserved. Any use or publication of content, including photos, requires express permission.
Sarah says
Brave Ski Mom, I’d like to wish you and your family the best of luck while you get through this difficult time. I know you will pull through. The way you’ve handled this ordeal online is amazing. I truly admire your approach. I’m also looking forward to more posts. You matter to more people than you even know!
braveskimom says
Dear Sarah, thank you so much. I really appreciate you reaching out and your encouragement!
Wendy Clinch says
As usual, lovely and gracious. You’re the best! Hugs to you, Brave Ski Mom!
braveskimom says
Thanks Wendy! I so appreciate your friendship and support!
minda mason says
Well said. The Masons are definitely on your team!!! Strong lady
braveskimom says
Thanks Minda! Happy to have our teams together. We appreciate Team Mason!
julesolder says
Well, BSM, you just lit up my day.
braveskimom says
Thanks Jules. Always appreciate your support.
Adrienne SI says
What a beautiful sentiment! I think I will put that phrase in my pocket for the future.
braveskimom says
I agree. It’s a keeper. Thanks!
Carol Northrup says
Another beautiful post … I’ll continue Holding you in the Light … thanks for providing a little Light for all of us.
braveskimom says
You bet Carol. Sharing the love across the thousands of miles. Thinking of you and your family.
Nancy says
Lying in my hospital bed 3 days post op. THANK YOU
braveskimom says
Dear Nancy, light and love coming to you. Prayers for complete healing. Thanks for asking.
feonicamartinez says
Hi! Together with the readers and commentators here on your page. We are praying for you and your family. That may get through with all these trials. Just keep the faith and never lose hope.
braveskimom says
Thank you so much, Feonica! I appreciate your concern.
John R. LaPlante says
“I was … studying for a graduate degree in Political Science (I know…what was I thinking?)”
Hey! I resemble that remark! And it’s worked out fine, though not in the way I had planned.
Great post there. The only thing missing from it was the photo from the hospital bed of your smiling face.
braveskimom says
Things never work out quite as planned do they John? And yet, they work out as they should. Here’s the photo you requested! Thanks so much for your prayers and concerns.