The other day I had a powerful reminder of WHY I love being a Heritage Makers consultant. I got a call from a lady who had signed up for my community ed "Storybook Your Heritage" class but who was unable to attend because she didn't feel well. We arranged for me to come by her home so that I could catch her up on what we did in class...,
She greeted me in the driveway, and I could see that she walked with a limp. As she led me into her kitchen, she told me she was a "one eye," so she doesn't always focus well. She showed me that her eye was a prosthetic. Of course I asked what had happened...
She explained that she was in stage 4 liver cancer, stemmed from a melanoma that she developed over 15 years ago. It came back in 3 different places, then it spread to her eye, and now her liver. I always thought melanoma was a mild and "easy" form of cancer. She spoke freely and openly and really touched me.
She loves to ride bikes, but she has struggled recently with balance, so she bought a really cool trike--the kind that professional disabled athletes ride.
She loves to live life and does it the best she can, even with her physical struggles. What an inspirational person!
She greeted me in the driveway, and I could see that she walked with a limp. As she led me into her kitchen, she told me she was a "one eye," so she doesn't always focus well. She showed me that her eye was a prosthetic. Of course I asked what had happened...
She explained that she was in stage 4 liver cancer, stemmed from a melanoma that she developed over 15 years ago. It came back in 3 different places, then it spread to her eye, and now her liver. I always thought melanoma was a mild and "easy" form of cancer. She spoke freely and openly and really touched me.
She loves to ride bikes, but she has struggled recently with balance, so she bought a really cool trike--the kind that professional disabled athletes ride.
She loves to live life and does it the best she can, even with her physical struggles. What an inspirational person!
She doesn't know how long she has to live and she wants to write her story in the way she wants it to be told. THAT is WHAT I DO!!! and the exact reason why I do it!
She was the sweetest lady, and I could really feel her heart. I love these moments that I share with people. I always leave a better person; an hour really well spent. A reminder of why I do what I do.
Here is Linda's website, if you would like to read her story: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/lindajgray
We all have stories that only we can accurately tell. Heritage Makers offers a simple, fun, and really fulfilling way to do it.
I'm just not sure if it is more fulfilling for "The Storybooker" or the consultant...
1 comment:
Wow, that IS really inspiring. I am so glad she's writing her story!!!! What a fulfilling job you have, eh?
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