All is on track. Seven days down. Thirteen more to go.
I didn’t have anything burning to write about.
So I went back and flipped through my social media posts.
I like to move some of that information over here so I’ll have it for years to come.
And this one is still one of my favorite moments post-surgery.
I love to talk about goodness. I’m an optimist. People, in my book, are basically good. (I can be proven wrong with some…) God is good. Life is good. Goodness is everywhere.
But sometimes the goodness of people still catches me off guard.
If you’re following my story, you know I was in a fair amount of pain for the week after surgery. Partially driven by my stupid drain. Partially driven by both of my breasts having been cut open.
I tried to shower. It was unsuccessful. While you might think a partially crappy shower is better than no shower, you might be wrong. My hair was matty. I felt like the places I had been able to place soap, still had soap.
Which brings me to Tuesday, February 9th. I wrote:
I was having a rough day. I was up at 4 am because I moved my arm wrong in my sleep and woke up feeling like I’d ripped a stitch. But I also just felt gross because I can’t wash and dry my hair. So I decided to try and find a place to do it close to my neighborhood. When I posted asking for recs, a neighbor and fellow breast cancer survivor, WHO I HAD NEVER MET, offered to come over and wash and blow dry my hair. In my kitchen sink. She was at my house in a half hour. Y’all. I am beside myself. This is just another audacious gift. And she also happens to be a mom at my kids school! I adore her and I feel pretty for the first time in a week!!! #godisgood #peoplearegood #momsrock #beatcancer
Seriously people. A wife, mother of two, employee, and breast cancer survivor messaged me through Facebook (there is still good in social media) with her cell phone number and that sweet offer.
I went back and read our message chain: Hi Gindi! I’m a neighbor. I had breast cancer 10 years ago and my kids go to Grace… so we’re practically sisters! It would be my pleasure to help you wash and dry your hair. I’ve helped girlfriends do this…it’s a wonder what a kitchen sink and stool can do! If you feel comfortable, please text me! I can be there in a flash!
And then her cell number.
I cried re-reading it a month later.
She really was there in a flash. Thirty minutes from her message to her arrival. I even told her “my husband is going to think I’ve lost my mind,” because really! Who invites over a total stranger?
The difference that kitchen sink hair wash and blow dry made in my outlook for the whole week was incredible.
And it gave me an entirely different perspective on how to help others.
I cook.
That really helps sometimes.
But sometimes I could think outside the box.
One friend offered to pack my kids school lunches. Y’all – what kind of fabulous idea is that?
One friend sent me totally sarcastic cards every other week. (I’m a total smart ass and needed a not depressing card.
Fruit. Food. Advice over the phone. Books. Blankets. Care of my kids. There is no way to list all the goodness.
What is it someone needs? How can I listen for tiny cues (or loud ones like mine was!) to support others in stress, health crisis, loss, etc.?
And how can I be the physical goodness of God here on Earth that so many have been for me?
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