Funny Inspirational Cancer Survivor Blogs
My grandkids came into my life during my cancer treatments. They didn't know me as the healthy energetic person their parents did. I guess you could say they grew up watching me fight this battle. In the beginning, I was unsure about having some knee high sprout call me 'grandma'. After all, I was still trying to trying to 'finger pop, at the do-drop inn' one weekend a month. But it didn't take long to warm up to them. Especially since they looked like me. Over the years, I have tried to educate them along the way about living with cancer. I figured they might as well learn from me. But I
never thought it would be any different.
Let me share with you the day I was educated by my grandkids. Just don't tell them I told you this.
One day I call myself taking them with me to a radiation follow up appointment. I tried to brief them on the sad situations they may see in the waiting room and the clinical trial labs. Their expressions told me they weren't interested, but I wanted to prepare them. Cancer patients aren't always at their best.
It was business as usual in the hospital. Wheelchairs, IV's, back open gowns and masked faces. I made them sterilize and put on masks too. From the labs, to CT scan and exams, they kept quiet. When we arrived at the radiation lab, they didn't bat an eye. Even though the room was full of bald sick people. They just sat down, opened up their ipods and zoned the world out. They looked naturally bored. And I was proud of them.
Later that night, one of their friends came by. She asked where they were earlier. My grandkids calmly said, 'at grandma's cancer appoitment'. The young lady practically fell off her chair! Her mouth opened and shut like a fish gulping for air. She couldn't believe what she heard. Immediately, she started to freak out. She barraged them with questions. Not waiting for answers she proclaimed that she had to leave because she didn't want to get cancer from them! I knew for sure the grandkids would be upset. But they never wavered. They told her to get educated and opened the front door.
I stood at the top of the stairs horrified. I wondered how I could calm this girl and save their friendship.
But before I could intervene, she was gone. My grandkids resumed playing the video game. I continued to stand there listening for a clue to the real feelings. But nothing was said.
At dinner, I tried to bring up what happened. Neither child seemed worried. I was told between bites of food, that this was their friend's loss. Cancer was not something you asked for. It's not something you can control. You have to live the best you can with it. And they didn't want to deal with her bad energy.
I can tell you I was slightly impressed and worried. I didn't want them to lose a friend because of my illness.
But they weren't pressed, 'it's all good, grandma, she doesn't want to listen. Did you hear her reaction?
We just let her believe what she want to, she will see eventually. It takes courage, and some people can't face that. Oh, can we finish the cookies?' Now, it was my turn to have open mouth. How did they get so smart?
I wonder if there is a lesson in grandkids? Do they show us another viewpoint on acceptance,
is this really all there is to it? is it that simple?
If you are blessed to have grandkids, try not to waste a minute of time learning from them. It isn't until we adults pollute their minds with prejudices and distortion that they develop ugly ways. Let's try to work with them within reason to bring acceptance to the fore front.
And after you spoil them, develop a headache, give them a big hug and lots of goodies. Then send them home comforting in the fact of a job well done!
till next time,
pj
