Adventures of a Cancer Diva: Everyday Angels

I am fortunate to have many angels in my life: friends & loved ones who send me funny cards, stop by to visit (or understand when I need alone time), help me with my blog (the technical aspects that drive me bonkers!), send or bring treats (chicken soup & cheese straws & chocolate covered strawberries . . oh my!).  One dear friend & former colleague was so understanding when I was late and completely missed our lunch date-- and she even brought me lunch @ my next appointment.  Another BFF checks in so often she calls herself my stalker.  You are not my stalker, dear friend; cancer is my stalker.

Recently a truly beautiful and giving angel popped into my life via the Internet, at a time of desperation.  It was my first week of short term disability (STD) and I had spent dozens of hours online & on the phone trying to plan a trip someplace warm and zen and healing, and to coincide with lovely daughter (LD)'s Spring break.  Last year, I had an actual prescription to take a vacation. 

This year, I knew the signs and symptoms, and was writing my own prescription.  But attempting to plan this was the anti-zen, as it was very last minute; there was  little availability, and the zen was coming at a high price. I couldn't decide where to go, and even when I narrowed it down, it seemed impossible to get there.  Then, for some reason, my zillionth google search led me to a website, www.MindfulAdventures.com

The website describes various destination spas, retreats, workshops, wellness and healthy living.  There is a photo of a smiling, pretty woman named Donna. She is a travel and wellness writer and also works with people looking to make changes in their lives, e.g., kick start fitness, weight loss, eat healthier, deal with a transition.  She looked and sounded like someone I'd enjoy talking to, and there was an actual old-fashioned phone number.  I called it, and  . .  no recording, no enter 2 for such & such department, no busy signal . . . . Donna answered the phone.  An excellent start that got better and better.  We chatted; I told her what I was looking for; described my situation (LD's Spring break coming up soon; I'd love to have some time with her; need to heal physically, mentally, spiritually, and whatever other way there might be to heal . . . yeah, I guess I played the C-card.)

Donna sprung into action.  She suggested a place; booked it; and helped me with all of the details.  This involved about six more phone calls, including some from Donna to me while I was in the chemo room, waiting for lab results.  She was so friendly, easy to talk to, sorry to disturb me . .  I was delighted to have this help!! Within hours, we were booked.  By the next day, LD and I had our spa appointments in place.  Tucson, here we come!  83 degrees and sunny! DC is dreary and way too cold for March.  LD and I will be staying at Miraval Spa & Resort.  Check it out.  www.miravalresorts.com   It's a big splurge, but hey, what would I be waiting for?

Meanwhile, Donna and I both felt like we had made a new friend.  She said there was a reason our paths crossed, and I believe that. Several days later, I looked at Donna's website and her new blog post.  She wrote about her donation of a kidney to her husband, as his best chance for survival.  http://mindfuladventures.com/blog/index.php/2013/03/14/embracing-hope-finding-faith-part-1/

Donna gets it.  That's why we bonded. Another patient with a chronic disease told me when we first connected that he is drawn to people who have faced adversity and lived up to the challenge.  I couldn't have said it better myself.  And I believe it's these everyday angels that help us get through each day.

So, be an angel for someone this week.  Anyone.  maybe someone you don't know.  Pay it forward.

CDiva