I rise

Written March 22, 2022

Feelin’ 22 !

Which is the exact song by T. Swift we played during radiation today

Between appointments you could find me in the Mayo Hospital garden, tears running down my face, as I read Oprah’s take on resilience and see a picture of her at the Grand Canyon quoting Dr. Mayo Angelou:

“Leaving behind nights of terror and fear

I rise

Into daybreak that’s wondrously clear

I rise”

Additional Thoughts: March 22, 2024

I wanted to add the significance of Oprah standing at the rim of the Grand Canyon was that I was living in Arizona at this time, being treated at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix. Even though I knew this photo was taken even years prior to me being there, it felt like we were close – more intricately connected – in that moment. As though the article may have been written just for me. I often tell others how fortunate I was to receive treatment in the Wintertime in Arizona! I always shudder to think if I had been in my hometown of Ann Arbor, Michigan at U of M hospital in March?! There was probably still snow on the ground. Then, I often regret feeling so thankful because so so many others are not as privileged as I. And finally, I remind myself those feelings can exist at the same time. I can be filled with gratitude for my local cancer treatment center (and the time of year) and I can feel deeply saddened at the thought of others who brave the cold trekking in and out of treatment every day at a hospital that may not have been their first choice.

However, this post was on resilience, and I want to touch on that. As I sit at my kitchen table two years later, I’m blessed with a view of a big beautiful flowering tree, a pastel sunrise of pinks and oranges, a warm cup of coffee, my favorite daily breakfast, and the wondrous thought that I, did indeed, rise.

Check out the amazing coaster my Aunt Ruth and cousin Michael made for me below :]

Point made 😂