The
past week has been quite a change of pace for me since I’ve been under the
weather and have had to go to numerous doctor appointments and have studies
performed. One of these studies included a CT Scan that luckily showed everything
is A-Ok. Still, throughout my visit to the center, I couldn’t help but be
amazed by how many storytellers I was surrounded by.
When
you are at a high profile imaging center, you may see people who are dealing
with countless situations. In my case, I came into contact with 3 cancer
patients, 1 heart patient, a man who has survived 6 strokes and a young man who
produces kidney stones as if it were a hobby (I’m quoting him on that bit).
Each of these people is a storyteller.
What
resulted interesting is how the tone of their stories reflected the tone of
their body language. A woman who was given 3 months to live, has beat those
odds by 8 and a half years and you really have to see this sweet lady to
believe her. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a cancer patient who is so
agreeable and nonchalant with her condition. She was like an older version of
Ed Rooney’s assistant, Grace, from Ferris Bueller’s day off. Even with cancer
metastasized throughout her body and countless chemotherapy sessions and
surgical interventions, she was as happy go lucky as could be. Her story was
not a sad one; it was a funny one because she kept proving doctors wrong and
everyone is going, how the hell is she alive.
Right
in front of this wonderful woman was another nice lady, though much darker in
disposition. She was trying to laugh it off, still, it was apparent how bitter
she was because of the cards dealt and the pain she was enduring. She was
angry, cynical and skeptical. Without saying it, she was screaming, look at me,
I’m going to die, take a picture it’ll easily last longer than me. Her story
was also of cancer though an aggressive type and more localized. Still, she was
kind, shared her story and in all honesty, no one deserves to go through
cancer.
In
addition, I saw a man who postponed heart surgery for over a year. Like many
others I heard from, he was given 3 months to live, and he is currently beating
the count by 6 years and change. He was a funny old man, skeptical sure, though
he was funny and sad at the same time. His tone communicated that he was alive,
though he didn’t know for how long, though he didn’t think much. Still, he was
going to make the most of it because what other choice does he have.
These
three lovely people shared their stories because I was there and was willing to
listen and oftentimes, people just need someone to listen to their stories. You
don’t need to comment, you don’t even need to share your story, you just need
to listen and they’re happy. I can totally relate because although my stories
aren’t related to my health, I do love it when I can share them with someone.
So
here’s to our stories and to telling them with zeal, detail and style.
Peace,
love and maki rolls,
JD
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