The People In My Neighborhood

"Bob", of the original Sesame Street cast 30+ years ago, used to sing a great song that taught kids about the people in their neighborhood. It was a catchy little tune ... one I'm sure those of you who are PBS savvy remember well "... So, who are the people in your neighborhood? They're the people that you meet, when you're walking down the street. They're the people that you meet each day!" Now that I've seriously dated myself with an early 70's Sesame Street flashback ...

I have met some really incredible people in my new "neighborhood" these past few weeks. My neighborhood has expanded beyond my little house, on my little street ... the people in my neighborhood have become my fellow cancer fighters and survivors, my doctors, my radiologists, my oncology and chemo nurses, the ladies with smiles on their faces at the front desks at the cancer centers I now frequent on a daily basis for radiation, chemotherapy and laboratory work ... and the people who have come to me with prayers, well-wishes and gestures of kindness. These are the people in my neighborhood. My neighborhood isn't the same little street I grew up on where I now raise my children. My neighborhood has expanded to all of St. Louis ... to the State of Missouri ... from California to Florida ... Mexico to the Middle East. My neighborhood goes beyond the boundaries of race ... of age ... religion and politics. My neighborhood is not surrounded by fences, hatred and fear. My neighborhood is beautiful in it's likenesses just as it is in it's differences.

Friends, YOU are my neighborhood ... YOU are the people that I meet each day ... YOU are the old friends and new ... YOU are my family ... YOU are the people I've never met face to face, but you still hug me with your words.

I thought cancer would isolate me. I thought cancer would scare people away. I thought cancer would take over my life, my thoughts, my routine and my relationships. I sure gave cancer too much power over my life ... but let me say, for the record, it ain't happenin' that way! There is nothing, let me repeat ... NOTHING good about cancer. It is an evil beast, unworthy of the power we give it. We whisper it's name and shake our head in defeat when we hear of a loved one, once healthy, now afflicted with it. Not this momma! I am tired, but I am not defeated. I am sick, but I am not weak. I have cancer, but IT DOES NOT HAVE ME!

So, cancer, I have something to lay on you tonight. You've made me sick, you've made me tired ... I'm a mom ... I can handle that. Take my hair, take my dignity, take my time ... it's only temporary. But I have something you can't take from me ... those are the people who have become my friends, my supporters, my cheerleaders, my healers, my confidants ... my neighborhood. As my 3 year old says, "NANNY NANNY BOO BOO!"

I love you all and pray for you daily. Thank you for loving me.

Until Tomorrow,
The Neighborhood Nut