Kindred Spirits
You know how when you buy a car, suddenly you start seeing the same model around every corner? Yep. And how babies and children are drawn to other babies and children? There is something to be said about birds of a feather and becoming aware of what surrounds us daily. Since brain surgery and relearning to function in the world, I see so much more than I did before.
The other day, I was partaking of a libation or two at my favorite happy hour, nothing special, when my eyes met with those of an older gentleman. He headed my way, and as he neared, I noticed that his right arm hung limp at his side. He spoke with a pronounced slur as he told me that he had suffered a stroke and asked if I was also a stroke survivor. I explained that I had survived brain cancer, the tumor surgery leaving my left side deeply effected. We talked for a moment more then gave well wishes and he moved on.
It happens now. A man in a wheelchair acknowledges me with a nod. I get a smile from a woman wearing a turban to cover a treatment induced balding head. And I notice people with disabilities more than I ever had prior to my surgery and following treatment. I believe that is likely a normal development. We are attracted to like minded people with whom we share common interests. I knew my life was changing but I didn’t know to what extent.
I am still the same person I’ve always been but my perspective on life and what is truly important has changed,”matured” might be the right term, because now I am a part of an exclusive group of people who suffered, struggled and survived.
