Chapter 10 Gratitude

I have struggled to find a word that can adequately describe how grateful I am to the countless people who helped me along this journey. Gratitude is the only word I can find.
Over the 17 days I was in the hospital, I made it a point to thank every single person I came in contact with. This included the transporters (Kuhmari) that took me for tests, the guy in the elevator who’s whole job every day was to ride up and down, sitting on a flimsy metal bench, stopping at whatever floor you were on to unlock the hallway doors. I made sure to thank the guy who dusted everything in the room, the woman who dusted and washed the floors, the lady who emptied the biohazard jug, the girl who emptied the trash. I even thanked the IT guy who changed out the hard drive on the computer so the label maker would work.
I thanked Michael, the very nice man who gave me a leg massage and Phoebe the comfort dog who laid on the bed with me and had the most soulful eyes.
I allowed two student nurses to work with me, Stephanie and Andrew. They were great and it was my pleasure to allow them to learn from me.



The nurses…
Donna, Gage, Lucy, Tina, Michelle, Lindsay, Suzanne, Carlos, Lauren, Emily, Sophie, Kat, Valerie, Kayla, Amy, Leah, Heysel, Maddie, Jill and Jo.
There really are no words to describe how incredible these people were. Kind, caring, smart, funny, oh so capable, loving. They made some of my worst moments better and also enjoyed going along with my stories and jokes. I may have missed a name or two but I tried very hard to get them all.
The PCA’s…
Maria, Jayla, Thomas, Afra, Megan, Tessi, Lorraine and my little Kyleigh. At one point, one of these folks stated “I’m just a PCA” as if that meant she was a lesser being. I made sure to remind her that being a PCA was a very admirable thing and that she should be proud of what she does as it is just as important as what everyone else does. She cried.
The Doctors…
There are far too many to mention. But there are some that I can not let go unnoticed. Dr.Zlotoff, my cardiologist. He asked me for the privilege of being my cardiologist. Dr.Kournioti and Dr.Saylor, my oncology team. Dr.Love, my PCP. And of course, Dr.Bennett Caughey. One of the hospital oncologists, broke my heart. It wasn’t me, it was him!

And now for the friends and family that helped me along the way and continue to support me every day. I’m not sure where I would be without you.
I keep a fairly small circle of good friends. I have always believed that quality is far better than quantity. So to Linda, Ruth, Donna, Jackie, Dennis, Maryann, Sarah, Greg, Laurie, Paul, Nathan, Tanya, Cyndi, Tommy, John W, Gary, Harry, Sean, Ben, Beth, Mary, June and of course Stan! You all come from different parts of my life yet you are all part of this special group.

And then there is the “chosen family”. The people very close to me that have become an integral part of my life for at least 25 years up to and over 50 years. These are my ride or die people. Maryanne-my other sister. Larissa and Chris-neighbors that became family. Tracy-my spirit animal, she gets me. Mary Beth, Karen, Roberto-Bentley was never the same without us. Tommy-a man of mystery who with his dry sense of humor, makes me laugh more than anyone. Jay-3000 miles away yet in my heart every single day. I love you most. Alison-who does a perfect fresh cut and we laugh at the best stories. To Donnie, who’s friendship with me all these years has been the best decision he ever made!

And to my family…Amanda,Michael and Myles, Brittany, Bonney, Ron and Jackie and the kids. John. We are a small but mighty team and I have felt your love through this entire journey.

To Rick and Brady…it has not been easy seeing “mom” drop everything and head for Boston at a moment notice. I know this has been hard on you guys. Thank you.

And to my sister Cathy…where do I even start. Sisters for life that have endured many ups and downs over the years (as sisters do) I could not have done this without you. Being so far away was not easy for either of us. You were there when I needed you most as I would be for you. Nothing else matters. However, your cabbage cruelty knows no limits. Thank you and I love you.