The adorable snowman gracing the neighborhood entrance had quite a holiday. Last week, past time to pack him away, he suffered the force of fierce winds- that even in Florida caused a temperature drop. Debris was everywhere and poor Frosty took a tumble too. Someone took pity and righted him but the battle scars remained. The stove pipe hat was flattened to a beret, the scarf twisted and overall he looked discombobulated. It didn’t seem to matter to him. He has the same simple sweet smile and possibly the coal eyes hold a sparkle too. It is as if to say, “I’ve had a rough time, but I am still standing, still smiling and still adorable”.
That sentiment has been echoed often this week. Several patients who were diagnosed prior to the New Year are getting on with therapy. Their frightened demeanor gone- replaced with strength. I wish they could see what I do. The transitions are remarkable. I warn Frances that there will be hair loss with brain radiation, but off comes the hat and the chemo-bald head shines. “No problem here Doc!” Midge finished breast radiation which caused slight swelling and firmness. She quips, “Doc, can you treat the other one so they match?” Gone are her tears from November. Clay suffered a brisk reaction to skin cancer therapy. Healed now he proudly lifts his trouser leg, “Smooth as a baby’s bottom!” Hal’s hand became numb tree trimming, now with chemo and radiation the nerve affected by a lung cancer has rebounded and he is playing pickle ball again.
So many “Frosty’s” all clunked in the head but so resilient that their cherished smiles and happy hearts have rebounded. Maybe you have to be in my shoes to see all of this in a rotund 6′ holiday ornament. Maybe I value the symmetry quickly because I trust this resilience to be available to everyone.
Frosty stayed a week too long, but just enough time for me to appreciate his happy, flat-headed, upside down demeanor- so that he is more gift than decor. If I could just encourage patients to trust themselves and their fortitude. Amal came from a country in terror. Hidden several times to escape, she cannot believe that the US is rescuing her- even from cancer. “Do what you must, Doctor. I have been through the worst and everything else will be God’s blessing on me”. The Frosty story is too silly when faced with life challenges even greater than cancer.
It is wonderful to acknowledge that there exists a grace in each of us that overcomes, endures and can even bring out our pluck. So, let’s pick ourselves up. dust off and maybe even enjoy the adventure. Dare I say it? “Stay Frosty”.
(For those of you in the snow storm this weekend, why not plop down and make a snow angel?Then stay safe and warm.)