Lessons Learned

While taking care of my family, I’d find myself wishing for more time in my day to get things done. After being diagnosed with breast cancer, however, I prayed for more time to get anything done. I was accustomed to being a caregiver, not a care receiver.

When I couldn’t express how I was feeling, I read books by people who’d faced cancer. I would point to a passage and tell my husband, “This is how I feel.”

As a care receiver, I learned others have been in my shoes and could help me work through my emotions.

“What do you need?” friends asked, but often I didn’t know. One friend knocked on my door holding a box of Kleenex. For the next hour she passed me tissues as I cried. Neither of us spoke. When my tears slowed, she handed me the box, gave me a hug, then left.

As a care receiver, I learned words are not always needed.

My cancer journey helped me to be a better caregiver. I don’t always know what to say or do but just being available with a box of Kleenex can be a good place to start.