While seeing everyone’s names amassed together was wild enough in itself, even more mind-boggling was to reflect on how each name on that list has affected my life in a different way.
Clearly, I've experienced several epiphanies throughout this experience (carpe diem and similar once-trite philosophies that seem to become even more revolutionary during times like these), and one of those epiphanies was realizing how lucky I am to have such a great support group of people who, like, actually care about what happens to me.
A support group that sends me things like this:
And advises me to avoid getting into very specific situations like this:
Due to now-personal experience, I think it might take a jolting personal experience to fully realize the power of having such a support group handy. Whether it’s someone to unabashadly complain to, to create silly tumor puns with, or simply to provide a necessary distraction while playing the Nintendo Wii, it's the personal atmosphere who's been saving my sanity.
I've been a little stunned by the awesome outpouring of generosity and support over the past couple of weeks. While most folks seem to feel that saying "if there’s anything I can do..." is a futile gesture to make, rest assured, is isn’t. Every single "if there's anything I can do" is further proof to me how lucky I am to have you to tell me that in the first place.
Yes, having to deal with an uninvited tumor sucks, but at least I have a kick-butt team of friends and family to count on while doing so. Your cards, letters, e-mails, stories and humorous e-mail attachments are proof of that – and are strengthening my confidence every day.
It's a humbling feeling.
