A poem I stumbled upon. So apt.

[TheDrivenSnow]

Chemotherapy

by Julia Darling

I did not imagine being bald

at forty four. I didn’t have a plan.

Perhaps a scar or two from growing old,

hot flushes. I’d sit fluttering a fan.

But I am bald, and hardly ever walk

by day, I’m the invalid of these rooms,

stirring soups, awake in the half dark,

not answering the phone when it rings.

I never thought that life could get this small,

that I would care so much about a cup,

the taste of tea, the texture of a shawl,

and whether or not I should get up.

I’m not unhappy. I have learnt to drift

and sip. The smallest things are gifts.

[Painny]

💙

[TheDrivenSnow in reply to Painny]

xXx

[Entela15]

😢😢😢 that's the harsh reality of life. Very sad.

[TheDrivenSnow in reply to Entela15]

I came undone at:

"I never thought that life could get this small"

Gets me every time. I attempted to read this out loud during an art therapy session at the hospice. I got as far as this line and had to stop.

[Midori in reply to TheDrivenSnow]

How lovely; and how true for us!

[TheDrivenSnow in reply to Midori]

Isn't it just...

💖

[TheDrivenSnow]

xXx

[TheDrivenSnow]

We find our own ways of coping or almost-coping xXx

[bobbybobb]

I love that. I love it because it's raw. It's shows the harshness that life can encase us in. xx

[TheDrivenSnow in reply to bobbybobb]

It's a reality for so many. Too many. X

[bobbybobb in reply to TheDrivenSnow]

Yes, it's very emotional and really hits you. xx

[Flyby7]

😪😪😪

[TheDrivenSnow in reply to Flyby7]

xXx

[Patjamber]

Hi glad to hear from you on here It is abit of a thought provoking one isn’t it It must be very raw for you and I can understand the reaction you had too read it aloud. Well actually I can’t but I can imagine. Stay as strong as you can and stay in touch when you can. Sending much love and hugs x xx

[TheDrivenSnow in reply to Patjamber]

Strangely, although it was difficult for me to read out loud, it was also cathartic. Admitting some of my innermost fears helped me confront them or - at some level - make sense of them.

I sense your concern and warmth and am beyond grateful for both.

Stay safe, please XX

[Aaaaa-]

Yep !