Tears for the Lady in the Knit Hat

Since my breast cancer diagnosis on May 15, 2015, I need to remind myself to take a few seconds and check my emotions at the door. If only that were possible. Tears spring up unexpectedly.  I could rewrite lyrics to Chris Tomlin's, Waterfall.  It would go like this..."my tears are like a waterfall, waterfall, raining down on me!" 

The weather was icy and the roads slick in nearby counties yesterday.  As I watched the morning weather, WBTV reporter, Sharon Smith, began a live interview from a Mooresville diner.  The diner was nearly empty of breakfast patrons.  School was closed for the day, and most people were still home in PJ's.  
There they sat...a husband and wife having breakfast together.  I immediately knew she was a cancer patient.  She was wearing a knit hat...indoors.  When asked why they were out on such a messy morning, tears welled in her eyes (and mine).  She is undergoing cancer treatments.  Although the weather was bad, she hopes to stay on schedule.  Oh I know, sweet lady, how desperately you want to stay on schedule. Staying on schedule for treatments is the anchor..the life-line.. of a cancer patient. 

Nearing the end of my 28 radiation treatments for breast cancer last August, I received a phone call from the Radiation Center.  The linear accelerator that delivers radiation was being repaired.  They called to cancel my appointment; she added, the missed treatment would just be added at the end.  The relayer of the information sounded so calm in the telling..I, on the other hand, had a melt-down. Did they not realize I was counting down the days? There were less than ten sessions left.  "Graduation day" was marked with "!!!" on my phone's calendar. Cue up the tears. Why am I crying?  It's only one more day!  "Please, please, if the machine is repaired today, I promise I can come within 15 minutes.  Please."  I was dressed and waiting by the phone. An hour later...it rings.  Come; the repairs are complete! Thank you, thank you. More tears!  

A year ago, would I have even noticed the lady in the knit hat?  Would I have shared in her tears, or prayed she could get her treatment yesterday?  Would I have given a thought as to whether those treatments will result in a cure? We are forever changed by our experiences.  Hopefully, for the better.


Copyright 2016
Charlotte Laney