Thursday, December 31, 2020

Some thoughts....

 

Today is the last day of the year, and what a difficult year it has been. Although our retreat was held virtually, it proved yet again, to be of enormous benefit for all who attended. As one woman said, "I feel like the cowardly lion who had courage but did not know it.You all made me see that I can do this."

The bonds that are created are deep, powerful, and restorative. Being with other women who have gone through what you are experiencing, whose very presence can feel like a lifeline, is the gift that we give each other. 

When I was first diagnosed with Stage 3C ovarian cancer in 2015, I never imagined that a retreat existed.  I was just a few months out of treatment when I attended. I was excited to go but also nervous because I wouldn't know anyone there. And really, who isn't at least a little shy about spending time with a bunch of strangers? Yet, I have never been made to feel so welcome, and when the time came to leave I knew that I had been given an incredible gift. One new attendee this year best summed up the experience, "I am now part of a community of wise, compassionate women." And so for all of us out there, may 2021 bring us the courage, wisdom and compassion we need to meet whatever challenges the new year brings.

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