Ruth

This week has been a whirlwind, to say the least.  I have been going from doctor-to-doctor, and hospital-to-hospital.  It's been stressful because I am trying to organize my regular treatment plan, and get set up with all of my new doctors.  It's has been extremely overwhelming, but through it all there is always a bright spot. Yesterday I met a woman at treatment.  She was in the chemo chair next to mine.  After I got all plugged in, and started my treatment, she turned to me.  She introduced herself as Ruth, and asked me my name.  I told her my name is Megan, but most people call me Meg.  She told me that Meg was a lovely name.  We began talking to each other about our illnesses, treatment, and life in general.  As we were talking she kept referring to me as Anne.  I corrected her the first few times, but it didn't seem to stick.  Another patient that was in the room with us whispered to me that she had Alzheimer's disease.  It all clicked for me then.  I must remind her of this Anne from her past.  I just went on listening to her stories.  We laughed and cried together.  I think we covered each other's life stories within two hours.  It was the first "real" connection I've made with another patient since moving to Memphis.  It was nice, even though she thought I was Anne.  Seeing the smile on her face made it all worth it. Her treatment was over before mine, so she was getting unhooked from the machines, and getting ready to go home for the day.  She kept giving me a strange look while the nurses were getting her ready to leave.  Before she left she gave me a big hug, and said I'll see you soon Anne.  I went along with it and told her I couldn't wait to chat with her again soon. About ten minutes later she walked back into the treatment room.  She sat down next to me, and said " You're Meg right"?  I said "Yup I'm Meg".  She realized that she had been calling me Anne the whole time.  She apologized for calling me the wrong name.  She told me that I reminded her so much of her granddaughter that recently passed away.  She felt like she was talking to her granddaughter again.  Tears began rolling down her cheeks.  She thanked me for allowing her to access those memories again.  She hasn't been able to remember much about her lately, but I brought those feelings and thoughts back to her.  I began crying because of her story.  I was so touched that I could help her retrieve those memories.  That moment was so special for both of us. Since being diagnosised with cancer, I have learned so much about myself.  I see the world in a different light.  Everyone has a story, and I enjoy hearing them all.  I am a better, more well-rounded person because of the experiences I've gone through,and the people I have met.  I've always considered myself a good listener, but I know consider myself a great listener.  I don't just listen to a person talk.  I absorb what they are saying, and try to improve my quality of life from what their story taught me.