Get Well Soon

My previous two posts were themed on appreciation and gratitude. As my priorities and life view have evolved these two themes have continued to become larger components of what defines me. This post is about one small act of kindness that has contributed to my continuing evolution.

My wife teaches third graders. Eighteen months ago she shared with her class that I was at home recovering from a cancer treatment. One student sent her home with a hand scribbled 'Get Well Soon' note.

In the rollercoaster of treatment and recovery this note was quietly pinned to my bulletin board and ignored.

I received three treatments and endured three recoveries. Between treatments I regained some normalcy. During these 'normal' times I would see the note and wonder how and why it came to be. Each contemplation period was cut short by the next round of up and down.

Eventually I found my own understanding of the note. I am grateful that a third grader whom I have not yet met showed sympathy. I appreciate that as a society we reach out to lend a hand for those that need it. Yet the value I've placed on this note has gone further.  

My perception of the note's meaning is continuing to evolve. It is still a half sheet of lined paper with one ripped edge. It is still just a few words and hand drawn pictures of hearts and happy faces. Despite these humble details the note has grown to represent the broad range of support I received during my time of need.

When I was mired in the struggle to get through each recovery I could only say 'thank you'. Friends, family, coworkers. All came to my aid. At the time I felt honored to receive such a quantity of support. In the ensuing months my gratitude for their support has continued to grow. Every time I catch a glance of the note I am reminded of these people and their actions of care.

'Get Well Soon' may be having additional effects. My cancer journey has driven changes to my life's priority list. Loosing rank are items that are generally valued by today's culture such as achievement and materials. Rising in value are items related to personal reward and relationships.

I cannot draw a straight line from the note to my increased gratitude and appreciation. I cannot extend that line to my deeper value of relationships. Yet I wonder how these factors have worked to redefine who I am.

I have changed. I am changing. It's a long journey. I've come to accept that the guiding forces are not clear. I'm not predicting where I'm headed or when I might arrive. I am doing my best to take the turns in good spirit. The 'Get Well Soon' note still hangs on my bulletin today. To it's third grade author I say 'thank you'.