In the chemotherapy room, filled to capacity, we are the only team of 3. We are the only ones who enter with flowers, scented and ready to face the bitterness. Nurses always remark about the flowers, as if no one before us has ever considered their value in calming and soothing the great angst that ripples through that room. She never sets the flowers down. They stay on her lap or pressed to her nose through medical opinions laced with vagueness, through needle sticks and drowsiness, through the aches and the shivers and the drip, drip, drip. The flowers, scented, are part of our team. Yes, we are a team. Based in love, strong willed, tireless in our efforts to lift her body and soul beyond the need to enter that bitter room with flowers.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Enter With Flowers
In the chemotherapy room, filled to capacity, we are the only team of 3. We are the only ones who enter with flowers, scented and ready to face the bitterness. Nurses always remark about the flowers, as if no one before us has ever considered their value in calming and soothing the great angst that ripples through that room. She never sets the flowers down. They stay on her lap or pressed to her nose through medical opinions laced with vagueness, through needle sticks and drowsiness, through the aches and the shivers and the drip, drip, drip. The flowers, scented, are part of our team. Yes, we are a team. Based in love, strong willed, tireless in our efforts to lift her body and soul beyond the need to enter that bitter room with flowers.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
i bet they provide some amount of comfort even in such bitter situations.
ReplyDeleteFlowers are good for the soul, no matter who you are or what you are doing. They would be especially welcome, I think, during such trying times. Lifting you and your mom up, Graciel. Hugs to you.
ReplyDeletewhat a hauntingly beautiful testimony of the power of your awareness of flowers...much love to your team.
ReplyDeleteOh dear Graciel, I am seriously sending you and your mama fortitude and strength.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful thing to say about the flowers.
Yes, the healing power of flowers is not to be under estimated.Blessings to you and your mum.
ReplyDeleteI've been sitting here for minutes now, no words will come. Hold her close, keep bringing flowers, things from nature. It always will bring a smile. You're both in my thougts.
ReplyDeleteI was taught that flowers represent the crystallization of light; spiritual rebirth. What a gift you bring when you bring flowers.
ReplyDeleteThe power of flowers… There are probably more people in that room that appreciate them than might let on.
ReplyDeleteDear Graciel,
ReplyDeleteI wanted you to know I am sending you & your mom love and peace and healing vibes....I hope she's getting better!
Big hugs,
Kathy
What a lovely and loving way to tackle such a challenging experience. I'm so sorry that you are having to deal with this. But your team of 3 sounds like the best kind - able to appreciate that beauty can touch and sometimes comfort us even in the most difficult circumstances. And then you do something to make that beauty accessible. I love that.
ReplyDelete