Strong can mean many things....it is a word that can describe physical strength; it can describe mental strength; and strength in all things...moral, spiritual, and on and on. My depiction of strength stems from my admiration and awe of those who are dealing with any kind of dread disease...and those who are their caretakers.
We have become "frequent flyers" at one of the Texas Oncology facilities in Fort Worth, Texas and I am constantly impressed with those who come through to receive treatments. We have seen all ages, all ethnicities, all sexes..(except children; they are treated elsewhere). And the nurses who are the Oncology specialists are truly Saints! Regardless of what is going on in their own lives, they are cheerful, totally into what they are doing, totally knowledgeable of each situation...and on their feet almost all day...running from one patient to the next.
The TO is set up in four bays with six or seven recliners on each side of each bay for a total of 14 x 4 = 56 cancer patients..and almost all day, all recliners are full and occupied more than once through the day. Some people are there for an hour or so, and others are there all day..it just depends on their treatment needs. The facility itself was very white, very institutional in appearance, and is always very cold! A year ago, when we came in for treatment, we saw that the walls of each bay and the end walls were being painted...the four seasons were being depicted on each bay...beautiful colors...soft, appealing, just beautiful! We were told that one of the patients decided that the place was just too clinical and unattractive for people who had to be enduring treatments to have to spend time in..so she had hired an artist who came in evenings and transferred the physical body of the clinic to a surrounding work of art. Later there was an article in local paper about the lady...I recognized her; had talked with her at times...she was pretty young; mother of three small children; a professional herself...and the strength she displayed is awesome!!! And her generosity in wanting to share with those who were there with her and those who are to come after she is through with her treatments is very moving.
So my picture for "STRONG" is one of the walls at the end of the room...it is a quote which so aptly depicts the overall sentiment of the place and also shows a good example of the art work which surrounds the patients...and the daily caretakers/nurses!
Oh my gosh... this just took my breath.
ReplyDeleteSo very poignant....and serene
What a wonderful post to read... thank you for sharing this with us.
a great story and some gorgeous artwork~!!
ReplyDeleteso many examples of strength within your post and my heart goes out to all of those who must somehow find the strength to get through this kind of personal fight. i know that you, as both a spouse and a caretaker, have displayed your own special brand of strength and i admire you. i was hoping that your visits to the oncology unit had come to an end . . .
take good care Jay.
:-)
libbyQ
WOW, how beautiful this was. I love the way you write and share your prompts!!
ReplyDeleteA wonderful post, I admired you for your work too, the quote is beautiful as well, well done and thanks for sharing it with us at Our Beautiful World!
ReplyDeleteGreat words there is written on this wonderful wall painting.
ReplyDeleteAnni
WOW, I love reading posts like this. It makes me down on my knees with gratitude, simply in awe. I believe that every single people who provide joy, comfort and treatment to patients are simply angels on Earth. Amazing art work. Thank you so much for sharing us the strength story with us @ OBW this week!:).
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome quote for those waiting, I share your strength and I am so humbled by those that give so much, thank you for making my night! and for sharing it with us at Our Beautiful World!
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