Be kind.

Some of you know this. Some of you do not.

The life saving meds I take for living with stage four cancer are tough. And I’m tough. But. Sometimes the effects are tougher.

… everyday is a battle cry of sorts. Mostly all is well.

I have physical and cognitive struggles. Some of the changes reflect in my handwriting and in being able to look at a word and write it. Or think of a word and write it. Often my own name. I know it. But it’s a thought process.

When you wake up you brush your teeth. It’s probably not super conscious. For me I need to put the concepts together now. Toothbrush + toothpaste + turning sink water on.

It’s not this challenging every single moment. Though it is a part of every single day.

Mostly I can laugh my way through it. Though I was never this scattered before. I lost the girl who had it together. She may have even locked the door.

And why do I share this today. It’s simple really.

Because of some very unkind women last night. Women who do not know my story.

As I explained my cognitive wits are sketchy these days. It’s makes everything more challenging.

I checked out at Target last night and as I left the register - I had that moment. I knew the next objective was to get to my car. But I was struggling to sequence the steps. In what felt like just a moment - three women looked me up and down, laughing, while one emulated me saying oh I will just stand here in everyone’s way….

First. I actually wasn’t in the way.

Second, as she wizzed pass me with her cart (and gang) she continued… she is so ridiculous that’s how I treat people like that. See, as she looked to the other women for approval. They all continued laughing.

People like what, I thought, as my eyes welled up.

Just then I realized I would take the cart out with me. Then grab my purse. Then the bags.

I made my way to the car. Finished the sequence and cried all the way to pick up Stella. I was mad at them. Mad at myself. And tired.

Then a friend pulled up, undoubtedly saw my puffy eyes and offered such compassion. She gave me the strength I was praying for… She was kind, authentic and present.

These kind people… are the people who meet you on your journey, become woven into your story, and enrich your soul. Thank you.

be kind.

AMEN.