As I rounded the corner of a quiet street, two playful young bunnies scampered into the road. I could almost hear the Mama Bunny across the street from them call out “NOOOOOO!” As I hit the brakes, one bunny jumped in front of the other and began pummeling it on the head with it’s front paws. He not only wanted to get away from the oncoming car (me), he didn’t want his “sister” to keep running ahead into danger. Brothers I guess are like that- perfect analagy. They then hopped together back into the woods. I was so moved and enchanted by the antics and so this adorable wildlife provided a lesson for the week.

In room 1, Gertrude sits quietly allowing her challenged adult child to engage with me. She is handicapped and now has stage 4 cancer. We are assessing for pain. The real pain is on Gertrude’s face. A life of caring for her precious daughter who now has this diagnosis. Her instinct to protect is high but I see that she has learned to make room and not over-manage.

Room 2 has Milly. She is trembling so her big gregarious husband gently pats her back as we discuss a plan. I know that he cannot hear my words, only her sighs. His heart is breaking. His protection fierce.

Room 3 holds Charles and his wife. She is feverishly taking notes. “Our life was very blessed. I guess at 80 something has to show up”. She has been protected by Charles for years and now it is her turn to step up.

Room 4….Frank’s only concern is not for his own cancer, but for his darling wife from abroad. They married while he was deployed and she has difficulty with the language. His fear of leaving her alone in this “foreign” country is enormous and he demands a plan to survive for her.

We think the instinct for survival is great, but I will tell you that again and again, I am faced with something much more profound…the instinct to protect and it is fierce. Megan didn’t even come with her husband or mother, because she is protecting them, even from the doctors office and cancer center.

Today, my only message is recognize your own desire to shield and be proud of it. Be grateful others reach to keep you from harm. Cancer presents many opportunities to protect, defend, and to give unselfishly. Everyday is a gift and the real wonder has nothing to do with treatment, cure or care. It has only to do with love. No pummeling of the head required… a gentle pat will do.