Early Morning Friendships

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12.21.2009

Early Morning Friendships

12.21.2009
Just three more days. Just three more trips. As I drove through traffic, I thought about waking up early to drive downtown, to wait in my doctor’s office and receive radiation. I remembered the waiting room—the four wonderful women I had met there. We had developed something special—a bond that can only be built in those early morning hours waiting anxiously together.

One woman has cervical cancer—a disease that recently killed her mother. Another woman is from Bermuda, but is living with her sister so she can receive treatment at Florida Hospital for cancer of the uterus. My third friend has advanced breast cancer. Although she must use a walker, and is in constant pain—she is always smiling. The fourth woman, though not a patient, I will miss most of all. Mary, the receptionist, has a way of making everyone feel at ease. Of making them feel cared for— of greeting everyone by name with her singing voice.

When I first came to radiation I was nervous, anxious, and scared. But Mary could see the fear in my eyes. Her warm words and gentle smile dissolved those fears, and sparked in my heart a desire to confide in and bond to the other ladies in the waiting room. Mary had that effect on everyone. Instead of picking up a magazine, we shared our stories. Instead of staring vacantly, we communicated our fears and hopes. Instead of watching the clock, we bonded and made friendships to help us through.

It may sound strange to say this, but I feel privileged to have had this experience. I feel privileged to have experienced Mary’s warm smile.