Day 278: Who Are You?

This morning, I discovered the most unexpected gift...a role model for who I'd like to be with illness. It came quite by accident via a friend's Facebook post.  In it, a link to a blog (no one I know personally, but someone who runs in the same circle).

The post was simple...no pulling punches. Joan (the author) is starting a new chapter in life, after what she calls her "five-year health adventure."

In short:

• She has liver cancer.
• Doctors can no longer do anything for her.
• It's been easier for her to be out of communication than in.
• She's moved to British Columbia.
• She spending her days being in nature, watching the ocean and wildlife.
• She's happy.
• She's grateful.
• If you have anything to say to her, please do so. She's listening.

There's a deliberateness to her speaking.

At the bottom of the page, hundreds of messages flood the space with love, thanks, and gratitude. At the top, an unexpected comment from one of my favorite mentors...June P...the one who trained me to lead courses for leaders (a part of me I worry has disappeared).

"Dearest Joanie: How glad I am to see these pictures of Bowen Island and you there, where you chose to be. How wonderful that we know choice and have the power that comes with that. I love you. I honor you and I promise to make you proud that you gave life to me as a leader...." -June


Instantly, I dissolve into tears.

"Choice. You ALWAYS have a choice," I can practically hear June shouting through the screen.

It's a choice to be bitter.
It's a choice to be happy.
It's a choice to be liked, admired, inspiring, miserable, bold, loving, forgiving, courageous, kind, right, proud, generative, angry, curious, brave, hopeful, upset, terrified, or optimistic.
It is all a choice.

Something I'd recently forgotten.

Thank you, June and Joanie, for reminding me what peace and power looks like in sickness and in health.

I will treasure you both forever.

 

Altered Today: Appreciation for Landmark Education, possibilities

Comments

[Debbie Semarge]

I love this!! Thank you so much for sharing.. LOVE YOU!

[Cathy Tutty]

Thank you for taking your life into your hands. It really is all we have, isn't it? We get to say ... when things are great, when things are sad, when we are powerful and when we are diseased. The circumstances are just that ~ circumstances. Who we are in the face of them is really all that matters.

I love you forever.

Cathy

[June Paley]

Kathie:
HOW WONDERFUL TO FIND YOU LIKE THIS. WHAT A GREAT CIRCLE WE I am so sorry to hear that you have not been well. I thought you were at work having a family. I would love to speak to you. You are a ray of sunshine! No body is better than you and I love you!!!

June

[Alter Everything]

Ohhhh June Paley. Just the thought of speaking to you makes me weep. I am not sure even a word would come out. Just lots of Sniff. Sniff. Slurp. I will try to call you though...perhaps tomorrow.

Thanks for reading and reminding...WHO'S better than you????
So much love,

XOOXOX

[Laina]

This makes me smile! I love you Kathy!

[victoria]

thanks i love this song - will buy it now asap!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Alter Everything]

I know...Isn't it great???

[Saimz]

I just read Joan's blog per your suggestion. Really amazing.
You're right - it's a wonderful reminder for what's (still) possible even in illness.
I saw June last weekend at weekend #1 of Fall ILP in Dania.
She looks good :)
She smiled at me brightly and asked how my health is and how school is going.
She also said "Tell me when you go to China to train! I will come with you! Tell them I'm your mother and I didn't let you go to China without me!"
I thought you would appreciate that. <3