10 YEARS OUT

My three year old grandson Elliott and his one year old sidekick Patrick have a little game they love to play at their local conservation area. Gathering all manner of sticks and wood chips,  they perch at the edge of a little bridge and, one by one,  they drop their little  "boats" into the stream below. Then, they scurry to the other side of the bridge to await the arrival of their twiggy vessels.

Elliott greets their reappearance with squeals of delight; Patrick seems just happy to be sharing time with his big brother.  Occasionally, a branch or reed snags one of the emerging fleet and Elliott scampers to set it free and return it to the mainstream.

It struck me how much this little game reminds me of any cancer journey; being unexpectedly thrown over the edge and then caught up in unknown waters. Like the little twigs lost in a tunnel of indeterminate length, one hopes and prays for the light to return.

I was dropped into that murky water exactly ten years ago today. After six months, I was out from under and although I've been snagged by a few surprises since then, I'm so grateful to be able to enjoy the view from downstream.

To my friends Bill, Linda and Susan who are currently waiting for the light to return, be hopeful and always try to believe that the very best is yet to come.