The man who is doing some house repairs for me came this morning. Before he began work, we chatted for a bit. Turns out we have much in common. He had cancer in his thirties, married late and now has a little girl who is six years old. I told him about my daughter being a patient at St. Jude’s and losing Bob as well.

Cancer survivors are a special breed. We understand how precious life is. Of course I never had it myself but caregivers endure their own hell.

To share the hell with people is rare. Turns out he is a Sagittarius and his wife is a Scorpio. Bob was a Sag and me a Scorpio, so there is another common bond.

We spoke of the impossibility of shaking the cancer history off. Every twinge or ache breaks a fear of recurrence.

He looks healthy and is definitely grateful to have put the hard cancer years behind him. It has left him with an openness and kindness that filled me with a soul sweetness not often found between those who have not experienced the hell that cancer brings.

It has turned nippy today. He should finish up with the repairs by the end of the day. I am going to stop now and have a cup of coffee. Cheers!

Vicki Woodyard