October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Actual Dance tells a story of MY journey in response to Susan’s diagnosis of stage 3 breast cancer in 2000
In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month I post a blog each day with a reflection about breast cancer. The reflections all stem from something in the play. (All quotes are from lines in the play).
Day 13: Presence “I’m surprised. The waiting room is filled with family and friends. … I wonder why they are here. For me? For Susan? For themselves? I didn’t know what to do with them. We just sat in silence, not even small talk.“ The Actual Dance
I remember wondering why. It was not obvious to me, in part because I didn’t expect so many people. In retrospect I think my reaction was part of a deeper truth – an inner personal confusion about what to do and how to be in this journey. I was following not a script but instinct. I had a sense of knowing what I wanted to do and I had no sense of what I was “supposed to do.”
As I think back to that moment I realize that it was just as it was supposed to be. No one had to say anything. The presence of family and friends conveyed what needed to be conveyed. Being there said it all.
Stat of the Day: National Cancer Institute (NCI) Cancer Centers: 69 designated Cancer centers in 35 states and the District of Columbia. Find one near you!
Task of the Day: Visit or call someone you know who is sick. Knowing someone cares is important. In the Jewish religion visiting the sick is one of the most important moral or religious obligations of the faith. It is called a Mitzvah.
Resource of the Day: Check out Mayo Clinic’s advice on helping a loved one with a terminal illness.
The Actual Dance: Performances. Donate.
In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month I post a blog each day with a reflection about breast cancer. The reflections all stem from something in the play. (All quotes are from lines in the play).
Day 13: Presence “I’m surprised. The waiting room is filled with family and friends. … I wonder why they are here. For me? For Susan? For themselves? I didn’t know what to do with them. We just sat in silence, not even small talk.“ The Actual Dance
I remember wondering why. It was not obvious to me, in part because I didn’t expect so many people. In retrospect I think my reaction was part of a deeper truth – an inner personal confusion about what to do and how to be in this journey. I was following not a script but instinct. I had a sense of knowing what I wanted to do and I had no sense of what I was “supposed to do.”
As I think back to that moment I realize that it was just as it was supposed to be. No one had to say anything. The presence of family and friends conveyed what needed to be conveyed. Being there said it all.
Stat of the Day: National Cancer Institute (NCI) Cancer Centers: 69 designated Cancer centers in 35 states and the District of Columbia. Find one near you!
Task of the Day: Visit or call someone you know who is sick. Knowing someone cares is important. In the Jewish religion visiting the sick is one of the most important moral or religious obligations of the faith. It is called a Mitzvah.
Resource of the Day: Check out Mayo Clinic’s advice on helping a loved one with a terminal illness.
The Actual Dance: Performances. Donate.
RSS Feed
