Friday, April 9, 2010
On the wall of the radiation waiting room is a bell.
When someone finishes the last of their radiation treatments they are invited to give the bell a ring – a sign of celebration, hope, and probably also relief!
When I first started radiation I was in a waiting room full of strangers, but as the weeks go on, I know more and more of the faces here. Several of the folks reside with me at Hope Lodge, and the time waiting passes quickly as we chat and catch up with each other.
Today, Gene from Oklahoma and Tony from Illinois finished their treatments and a group of us showed up in support as they rang the bell.
Tony had his wife on the cell phone so she could hear the joyful peals. Gene let out a loud YIPPEE! It sounded like a cook calling the cowpokes in for dinner!
We took pictures and had hugs and handshakes all around. I’m impressed by the spirit of camaraderie, and seeing others finish up gives all the rest of us hope.
I’m impressed by the spirit of camaraderie,
and seeing others finish up gives all the rest of us hope.
It wont be long before you will be ringing that bell…..bless you
When I finished Chemo my wife Sandy came and brought Cider “Champange” and a shirt that says,”Chemo Grad 2009″. There were lots of hugs and cheering words from all the nurses who had taken care of me. I don’t know what I would have done without the nurses and the wonderful wife God saw fit to bless me with. It made this process so much easier.
Fr. Steve be assured of our continued prayers, and know that this season of life will end soon!