Walk several miles in my shoes.
Alyssa and I had many conversations during her treatment and hospital stays. We talked often of what we would do when she was better. We discussed at length the plan to make sure there was some type of blueprint in the world for people who had to walk the dark paths after us. We had to navigate some ugly waters, sometimes with no paddle, but we managed. Alyssa expressed how nice it would be if there was support for people in similar situations who deal with some of the same challenges we faced. Alyssa went through so much and together we learned a lot along the way. We uncovered some things that may make the road easier, identified speed bumps to avoid and gained a new understanding of how to navigate the medical world. We saw the ugly side of medicine and met the rudest people in the field, but also saw the heartfelt caring side, and came across the kindest, most loving people along the way. Alyssa lost her battle with cancer, but memories of her and our conversations have paved a new road for my next journey. With those memories in my armory, I recently stepped forward and became a college student once more. Let me tell you, going back to school at 49 years old is intimidating! Thank God I have a child who worked hard and earned a Masters Degree and could teach this old dog some new tricks.
The foundation is prepared, the covers have been removed and the journey has begun. Walk a mile in my shoes and you may discover that we have traveled along similar paths, or perhaps my experience will give you comfort in realizing you are not alone. I hope that by sharing the good, the bad and the downright crazy that you will find support, comfort and encouragement in any situation you may be facing, to keep moving forward at your own pace, growing and refining who you are. This is the starting point on a road to a foundation built on love and hope inspired by Alyssa.
The good news is this: this season of your life is temporary. One day, it won’t hurt like this. One day this will be over. God will bring you out of the pit (Psalm 103:4)
