A cancer diagnosis in your child is never reason for rejoicing and yet as we sit in the oncology unit at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore watching a skilled nurse work on our son as …
Shine Your Light
There is an army of skilled healthcare workers here who are not just doing their jobs, they are handing out hope and joy each day making what may seem like an unbearable situation a little easier—the environmental services lady who brought me a bagel that she thought I would enjoy; the doctors who took more than a few minutes to answer questions and really check in on our mental status as a family; and the security team who have taken time to get to know us and our story asking about Will as we check in and out each day.
We’ve also been surrounded by the light of all of our friends and family who have sent encouraging words, taken care of our other kids while we’ve been away and provided a host of other invaluable supports that to some may seem small—like helping our kids figure out why the oven wasn’t working properly, providing meals or groceries and mowing the lawn.
Our son has been overwhelmed by the love and support he has received from his college family as well as his community and told us with tears in his eyes, “I feel so loved.” He is receiving text messages from friends and acquaintances telling him what he means to them and how they have looked up to him or been encouraged by him. He’s getting that rare opportunity to hear how his light has shined on others and made a positive difference.
Each of us has a light to shine and share with others and it may be as small as a smile, an encouraging word or a task for a neighbor. Shining your light without reservation is what will change the world and all of our lives for good.
