Another October

Once again, October has been good to me.

Yesterday would have been Mom’s birthday; tomorrow is the anniversary of the day my Love and I plighted our troth.

Exactly one month ago, during the course of an Annual Wellness Exam, I was given frightening news. It brought me to my knees emotionally, and for the past 30 days, I have been involved in various medical tests and opinions.

Today I was given a reprieve, a less frightening diagnosis, and today I realized how many lessons I have learned during the past four weeks.

I have learned the value of love. Not only romantic or family love, but the love of fellow human travelers on our life’s journey. My Posse came to my immediate aid until my family could arrive.

The countless medical personnel whose path intersected with mine during this lesson on mortality provided reassurance, comfort and confidence in the medical world.

I learned that I am never alone despite the miles that separate me from those I love. My children provided instant support, physically, emotionally and intellectually.

Kilometers are not always an accurate measurement of contact. Their Facetime calls were daily; the telephone has never been silent, and the knowledge that I need not face the unknown future by myself became my strength.

Far-flung friends and their families gave me counsel and reassurance. The constant message from my fellow pilgrims was “You are never alone.”

Because of their example I recognize the danger of indifference. I wonder now if I have been guilty of not being there when others who crossed my path needed comfort. I reread the words of George Bernard Shaw:

“The worst sin towards our fellow creatures is not to hate them, but to be indifferent to them. That is the essence of inhumanity.”

And this October I have been taught to never forget those words.