Hello everyone!
We are setting up this blog in order to help Delight keep everyone informed about her progress in her battle against breast cancer. As most of you know, if has been almost five years since she was first diagnosed and she kicked it then. We expect a repeat performance this time.
I've written about Delight before in my blog. Her strength and amazing willpower has always been an inspiration to me. Now it's time to give some of that back. I'm asking everyone to use this blog to offer encouragement, advice, and love in Delight's time of need.
When I was undergoing treatment, I had the good fortune to be introduced to a website that helped to get me through some really tough times. Although I had so much assistance and support here locally, the website proved to be a valuable tool because no matter what time, day or night, in my jammies or fully dressed, I could always log on and read, over and over, the encouraging words left there by my friends. The soothing effect of being able to log on to that support group was invaluable in my healing. I hope that it will be a source of strength and hope for Delight also.
So, I am selfishly taking the opportunity to be the first to post and I hope that many of you will leave a comment of love, hope, and best wishes for my friend Delight.
I am closing with this poem by Michael Samuelson. It always reminded me of Delight. It was given to me by someone who had lost his mother to breast cancer. I think it is appropriate for the first post.
I never asked you to visit
at least I don't believe I did
Maybe, I don't know
It's so confusing
At any rate, you're a rude guest
You take my energy,
rob my sleep, and with a stick
You swirl and distort my dreams
All right, You are here...for now
But understand
There are two places that are forever off limits
You may not tread on my spirit
You may not occupy my soul
I have heard of your visits to others
I know the damage you leave in your path
the wanton disregard for innocence, value,
and what some would call fairness
Also, I hear that laughter confuses you;
that good foods make you feel bad,
and that nothing causes you more distress than an autumn sunset,
the forever blue of a summer sky,
or the unconditional radiance of a child's smile
Listen and understand
You might pilfer my closets,
empty all the drawers and trash my house
But there are two places forever off limits
You may not tread on my spirit
You may not occupy my soul
Do not mistake my nausea, weakness, and pain as signs of your victory
They are simply small dents in the armor I wear to fight you
Instead, look deeply into my eyes
They will once again remind you that there are two places forever off limits
You must not...May not...Will not tread on my spirit
You must not...May not...Will not occupy my soul
