“In a time of deaths and dying and shriekings of change, it may be good in all this noise to come upon the wonder of a still moment, to catch the
glimpse of an occasional pool reflecting an eternal sky, and give one’s self over for a time to poets, thinkers and lovers who in the midst of death still listen for the voice of life.”–Whit Burnett.
This excerpt from the forward to The Seas of God: Great Stories of the Human Spirit, a 1944 book of short stories edited by Whit Burnett, illuminates what I try to say in every post.
I’m particularly reminded today of how sweet life is, as tomorrow I travel to San Francisco for my four month cancer check-up, or what I like to consider my cancer-free check-up. I am to have repeat CAT scans and blood tests every 4 months for three years. Each appointment reminds me of how serious my ordeal remains.
It feels as if I’m living my life in four-month segments. For the months after an “all clear” pronouncement, I live with childlike abandon.
Immediately preceding my next check-up, I trade in my innocence for the deeper knowing that my world may once again shatter in one brief moment.
By the time you read this, Dr. Baron will have told me the results. But I don’t know the verdict now, as I’m writing this post.
No matter what the tests say, however, I hope to forever “come upon the wonder of a still moment.”
How about you? What are the times in your precious life that allow you to give yourself over for a time to poets, thinkers and lovers?
You have made it clear to me that I need to emberace and celebrate each day, and I do.
(Lyrics to “Walk Into the Light”) Through this life we wonder over hills and through valleys. It’s a crooked road that we must walk each day… The only things that you’ll have when you reach Heaven… Are the things on earth, that you gave away.
So I’ll give my love to everyone that needs it, always try to do the things I know are right. I’ll pray for peace, and always share the gift of music, before I bid farewell, and walk into the Light.
George, This song of yours is one of my absolute favorites! Every time I hear you sing it, it stops me for that golden moment of silence that feels like forever. I think it’s time for your own CD. I’d be the first (after fighting off all the others who want to be first) to buy it!
Thank you again for sharing with me and with my beautiful readers!
I am sure you will have a great report. You have such a wonderful, positive attitude that you will get good results.
My first husband fought cancer for twelve years before dying. That made me realize that I’d better enjoy every day of life because you don’t know what the future holds. Then I met Walt who had lost a daughter to cancer, so we had an immediate bond and have the same philosophy of life–enjoy it to the fullest. And that we do. Life has never been better.
Hi Sandy, I didn’t know about Walt’s daughter. Now, that is suffering! Both of you, however, are masters at living life fully. I’m just happy to be part of it once in a while!
Wow, beautiful post, Gayle. I hope your results are good and continue to be. I couldn’t help but comment on this post after losing my dear partner and pal, my dog, Frankie this past June. We were very very close and shared the deepest bond from any other pet I have had. It was a tough summer of grieving. But just this past Saturday I welcomed a new little disabled doxie into my life I got from a rescue. I’ve felt the joy again as I felt with Frankie… which I didn’t think possible… but now know that it is. But with grief we can’t fully understand joy, so for that I now can give thanks and know that grief is part of life– it is life– but that joy does come again if we trust and allow.
Wishing you the very best.
Barbara
Hi Barbara, What a profound discovery you have made in your journey through grief. I have long believed that grief and joy are different ends to the same spectrum. Now I think so even more!
My readers may enjoy reading your blog @ http://www.joyfulpaws.com.
May God’s blessing of a continued healthy life be with you Gayle.
Thinking of you, Love, Peggie
Hi Peggie, I think God has spread his blessings on both you and me! Thanks!
Gayle, you experience and recognize “the wonder of a still moment” more lucidly than anyone I know. You so have earned “cancer-free” results for the rest of your life. Let me rephrase that. For the next 40 years! That said, remember that your friends continue to pray for this and to thank God for his grace in granting you good health once more. Love, Pamela
For once I’m speechless–almost.
Thank you, dear friend!
Praying that your cancer free checkup went well…
Thank you, Linda! I think prayers have carried me this far: I appreciate all I receive. And, yes, my test results were cancer-free!