Knowin' you can always count on me, for sure
that's what friends are for
In good times, And bad times
I'll be on your side forever more
That's what friends are for"
~ Stevie Wonder ~ That's What Friends are For ~
***
Today I write with a heavy heart ... a hurting heart. Our beloved friend Paul is fighting for his life at the moment. His beautiful wife Jacki, his angel, right by his side, feeling every single moment of this battle. And we are on the other side of the world, wishing we could reach out across the ocean. Russell and I are heartbroken. We cannot even put into words the feelings we are experiencing right now. I hesitated to write because I didn't know how to put down all my emotions through my constant tears. Feeling helpless and profound sadness.
We met Paul and Jacki at the Gerson Clinic in Tijuana in March of this year. It was a time when we had no clue what to expect and were quite vulnerable. I remember the first day after the doctors consultation and settling into our room, we headed down to the main dining hall. I had a fake smile on my face after a good cry in our room, constantly thinking what I am doing here? As we sat down at the table Jacki and Paul walked in and there was literally this beam of light that surrounded them. And, instantly there was an attraction and a warmth about them. You know when you meet someone for the first time, but feel you have known them all your life???? Instant connection ♥ That night they shared their story of Paul's battle with cancer and I started to open up and share mine. I was a newbie at all this "you have cancer" diagnosis ... I was looking for some armour, some protection, some way to deal with my diagnosis ... I couldn't even say I had cancer ...and Paul, who is battling a reoccurrence, had a lightness about him, a sense of calmness and assurance that he was going to beat this, no problem Mate!
I was in awe and that night, inspired by Paul and knew I was exactly where I was supposed to be. I thanked Him for the opportunity to be at this place at this time.
Our stay at the clinic was 3 weeks, and although we were all there for treating cancer, it was a special time for us. A loving time. Our days were eventful, actually enjoyable with something planned between treatments. We had it all figured out as to when we could leave the clinic and still ensure we were on our therapy schedules. You see, Paul has an itchy foot, just like Russell, so walking to the beach was usually on the agenda. Hmmmm maybe something to do with being from the South Pacific?? Well, along with trips to the crazy downtown marketplace, drives down the coastline, Starbuck runs for the caregivers, jamming at the beachfront cafes, sharing funny stories at meal times, celebrating Jacki's birthday, practicing yoga, consoling each other when the range of emotions were stirred up .... and really just having moments when we needed to express ourselves ... because all fears, doubts, and frustrations were welcomed with open arms. We called it the Gerson bubble ... a safe haven for us to just BE.
Russ and I know, our experience in Tijuana would have been vastly different if we had not met our beloved Aussies.
One of the greatest blessings of being diagnosed with cancer is where this journey has taken us thus far ... we were destined to meet Jacki and Paul ~ all had to be spiritually aligned so that we would be at the clinic at the same time. And it has been an amazing blessing. Every day I thank God for all in my life, all my blessings, family and friends and I ask for healing prayers to help my fellow friends rid this horrid disease from our bodies. You see when we parted ways, the deal is that once we are able, Jacki and Paul will visit Canada and the boys will ski their hearts out ... in turn, we will visit the Gold Coast and there are a few pending surfing lessons by Paul. And we know Paul is a man of his word.
So I am once again at the mercy of God. And I know that I have been asking for a great deal these days. And I apologize if it is too much, but I ask our Heavenly Creator to bless this time when Paul needs the strength, courage, and will to fight. I ask Him to show love and solace to Jacki, their families and friends. I ask Him for His Miraculous Healing to turn weakness into strength, suffering into compassion, sorrow into joy and pain into comfort. God, I don't always understand Your ways and why our friend has to suffer, but I trust You and ask You look with mercy and grace toward Paul. By nourishing his spirit and soul, please restore Paul to full health and remove all fear and doubt from his heart ♥
Today I write with a heavy heart ... a hurting heart. Our beloved friend Paul is fighting for his life at the moment. His beautiful wife Jacki, his angel, right by his side, feeling every single moment of this battle. And we are on the other side of the world, wishing we could reach out across the ocean. Russell and I are heartbroken. We cannot even put into words the feelings we are experiencing right now. I hesitated to write because I didn't know how to put down all my emotions through my constant tears. Feeling helpless and profound sadness.
We met Paul and Jacki at the Gerson Clinic in Tijuana in March of this year. It was a time when we had no clue what to expect and were quite vulnerable. I remember the first day after the doctors consultation and settling into our room, we headed down to the main dining hall. I had a fake smile on my face after a good cry in our room, constantly thinking what I am doing here? As we sat down at the table Jacki and Paul walked in and there was literally this beam of light that surrounded them. And, instantly there was an attraction and a warmth about them. You know when you meet someone for the first time, but feel you have known them all your life???? Instant connection ♥ That night they shared their story of Paul's battle with cancer and I started to open up and share mine. I was a newbie at all this "you have cancer" diagnosis ... I was looking for some armour, some protection, some way to deal with my diagnosis ... I couldn't even say I had cancer ...and Paul, who is battling a reoccurrence, had a lightness about him, a sense of calmness and assurance that he was going to beat this, no problem Mate!
I was in awe and that night, inspired by Paul and knew I was exactly where I was supposed to be. I thanked Him for the opportunity to be at this place at this time.
Our stay at the clinic was 3 weeks, and although we were all there for treating cancer, it was a special time for us. A loving time. Our days were eventful, actually enjoyable with something planned between treatments. We had it all figured out as to when we could leave the clinic and still ensure we were on our therapy schedules. You see, Paul has an itchy foot, just like Russell, so walking to the beach was usually on the agenda. Hmmmm maybe something to do with being from the South Pacific?? Well, along with trips to the crazy downtown marketplace, drives down the coastline, Starbuck runs for the caregivers, jamming at the beachfront cafes, sharing funny stories at meal times, celebrating Jacki's birthday, practicing yoga, consoling each other when the range of emotions were stirred up .... and really just having moments when we needed to express ourselves ... because all fears, doubts, and frustrations were welcomed with open arms. We called it the Gerson bubble ... a safe haven for us to just BE.
Russ and I know, our experience in Tijuana would have been vastly different if we had not met our beloved Aussies.
One of the greatest blessings of being diagnosed with cancer is where this journey has taken us thus far ... we were destined to meet Jacki and Paul ~ all had to be spiritually aligned so that we would be at the clinic at the same time. And it has been an amazing blessing. Every day I thank God for all in my life, all my blessings, family and friends and I ask for healing prayers to help my fellow friends rid this horrid disease from our bodies. You see when we parted ways, the deal is that once we are able, Jacki and Paul will visit Canada and the boys will ski their hearts out ... in turn, we will visit the Gold Coast and there are a few pending surfing lessons by Paul. And we know Paul is a man of his word.
So I am once again at the mercy of God. And I know that I have been asking for a great deal these days. And I apologize if it is too much, but I ask our Heavenly Creator to bless this time when Paul needs the strength, courage, and will to fight. I ask Him to show love and solace to Jacki, their families and friends. I ask Him for His Miraculous Healing to turn weakness into strength, suffering into compassion, sorrow into joy and pain into comfort. God, I don't always understand Your ways and why our friend has to suffer, but I trust You and ask You look with mercy and grace toward Paul. By nourishing his spirit and soul, please restore Paul to full health and remove all fear and doubt from his heart ♥
Beautifully written Mini. Sending positive healing thoughts to Paul & Jacki and to you and Russ as well.
ReplyDeleteMuch love & hugs,
ritu xx
Thanks Ritu, we continue to pray for Paul's recovery, he is a fighter and so inspiring to us. Sending love, light and healing energy to our beloved friends.
ReplyDeletexx
M&R