The Life & Times of a Breast Cancer Survivor: Loving People

Loving People by ... a Random Act of Kindness

My trip home on Friday will live on in my memory for quite some time. My car was all packed and ready to roll immediately after treatment and then brunch with Maureen (my sister) and Esther (my daughter). Having not slept well the night before, I was setting out rather weary and by the time I was dropping down the hill into Merritt I was fearful my eyes might close. While scanning the roadside for somewhere to pull over, I noticed a large group of cyclists and a support truck. I assumed it was some kind of race or "ride for a cause". Still in search of a stopping spot, I drove on -- more than slightly green with envy for the cyclists. [Judy -- we must promise each other that next summer holds some kind of ride together, please!!] A few kilometres down the road, I spotted a truck brake check pull-out and decided it was a good place to stretch my legs and eat the cold leftovers Maureen had sent me home with. As I stood eating, the support truck I had seen with the cyclists pulled in just ahead of me. The truck's tailgate had a "Canadian Bible Society" sticker, no larger than 1 ft. x 1.5 ft., but it caught my eye.

I'm often the person who hears or feels that wee small voice inside my head or spirit that says, "Do this ...", and I am slow to respond. Always the cautious one, I'm not a risk taker. However, I'm learning from my children (Kate in particular), that random acts of kindness are an important part of life. That wee small voice said, "Reach in your wallet, pull out a 20, and walk it over to that man." I listened!! As soon as the driver was finished checking his bike trailer, I walked up to him and asked if he was from the Canadian Bible Society. His response was "Yes, these are 'Bike for Bibles' cyclists". After asking if he would accept a donation, I handed him the $20 and walked away to resume eating my lunch. After a few moments' thought, he approached my car with tears rolling down his cheeks. We spoke for several moments about the cycling trip, my challenging summer, and ended with huge hugs and 'God Bless You's.

This year's ride is raising money for trauma healing in Rwanda, helping women and children to recover from the effects of abuse, psychological trauma, and shattered families. (If you want any more info, here's a link to their website "Bike for Bibles")

Loving People by ... Seeing Friends

Yesterday, my afternoon was brightened by a short-but-very-sweet visit with two of my dearest friends; Cheryl - my trailer companion for weeks one and two, and Laura - the source of 99% of the motivational messages I have received over the past 10 months. Even though they were on their way to Victoria to attend a week-long course, they took the time to stop and say Hi.

I am so blessed to have a strong support network of family and friends who continually offer tremendous love, support, and a tender hand! Thank you, to ...