Chosen

My mother has now been passed eight years. It seems as though it was just yesterday that I stood in the emergency room hallway by myself. Leaning up against the wall to support my exhausted body and mind, I closed my eyes to escape for awhile. I had spent many days at the hospital in the last years of her life. The staff knew me and I felt as if I should jump in and help them, but I was relieved that someone else was taking care of my mother. As I stood there a nurse placed her hand on my arm and said, "There are people in life that are chosen ones." She then looked into my eyes and said "You are a chosen one." I remember being so tired and wondering just exactly what she meant. I believe she meant I was suppose to be there, because I was strong and the right person to help my mother in her final days. For a few minutes I wished she had meant I was chosen because I had won the lottery, a trip to Paris, or maybe just a day at the spa to be pampered. Needless to say I have remembered that moment and it has given me strength to do many things that have been challenging.

I have been placed in that chosen position also as caregiver to my husband. Over the past fifteen years of his waxing and waning with lymphoma, I have spent many hours and days sitting in waiting rooms. I often wonder how many hours it has been. A journey that has been very lonely. Sometimes, I wished that my crossword puzzle book could talk or that I would wake up to find it all a dream. None the less I have thought a lot lately how great it is to be a chosen one. A chosen one is driven to do great things. They cherish everyday, find the good in everyone, and love all those close to them. They aspire to walk in marathons and raise money. They choose to stand up to cancer.

I believe Laney was a chosen one to give my husband and I much comfort, many laughs, and a reason to get up everyday. She has been a great companion for my husband and of course she has let me cry many days with no judgment. I hope everyone has the chance to be a chosen one and see how beautiful life is. I declare to the world how privileged I am to be my husband's chosen one. I love you!

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