CANCER & QUARANTINE. The Battles Before Covid.
What day is the right day to tell a story? She has no idea. She had hoped for him to be in remission before unraveling his cancer journey. She wanted her story to have a happy ending. Three years of holding her breath, hoping, praying, believing… In the midst of Covid19 she made the decision to pick up her pen.
The virus, this quarantine, it is changing her. Flooding into her life, it has opened her eyes to her own reactions, fears, weaknesses; many that she didn’t know existed. Yes, she is reacting, the best she knows how, to protect her family, her home, herself, her friends. Change is peeking through. She is conforming, simplifying, reprioritizing. She is open to change, she prays it is for the better. She prays that some of her new habits are becoming her forever lifestyle. She also prays that some aren’t…
Within the uncertainty of that change, there remains the pushed-down reality of what existed before, and is still here. Today she is not writing about flowers and sunsets, but instead about the daily muck. In her and Kevin’s day to day, it is cancer. Always prominent; now with more uncertainty and added risk. It is not about her, it is about the one she loves. Kevin’s story has become intertwined with hers. This virus is changing them in many good ways. They are thankful for much. They are, however, perched at the peak of awareness.
Head and Neck Cancer. This is where Kevin’s cancer journey begins. In the midst of quarantines and viruses remains this unescapable, pre-existing battle. This is where Shaded Design’s cancer cards intersect. This is her outlet. They are breadcrumbs; reminders of the journey so far and the hope that continues to carry them.
She has spent too many years, and uncountable moments paying no attention to the pain and battles that were happening around her. But now, as she holds Kevin’s hand through oncology reports, chemo infusions, and painful, sleepless nights, this destructive disease has her attention.
When a pandemic takes first chair, the old, existing chairs unfortunately remain. She loves Kevin, holds him, and applauds him. You see, he has been fighting for his freedom and his health long before covid-19.
