God Talks to Us, You Just Have to Listen
On my about this site page, I mention my friend Teri. She was the first person who suggested that I write a blog and planted the seed that would change my life. Teri and my Joey both have something in common; they have been kicked in the stomach by the blood cancer, Leukemia. God helped get Joe and me through this disease, and he is there for her, too.
I write my blog in dedication to her and promise when I earn any money, to donate at least 10% every year to Lymphoma and Leukemia. It made sense that this would be the charity I picked in their honor
A Little Background
Teri and I have known each other for a long time. Our 29-year-olds graduated from high school together, and we became golf buddies. Some years we saw each other more than others because unfortunately, life is busy. It is during times like you are about to read when you want to go back and slow it down.
Teri has been in the special needs arena for many years. It takes a special person to be involved with children with disabilities, and my friend is a special lady. Having a child herself with education and emotional disabilities, she understands both sides of the table in regards to children with needs. Something else that we have in common and has encompassed several of our conversations.
She has changed jobs a few times since I have known her. Teri always wanted to be more challenged and help the kids who needed her the most, so she would move school districts accordingly. She is currently working at Greenburgh Central School District as the Director of Student Services.
Teri was diagnosed with Leukemia 2 years ago. She went through the initial 5-6 weeks of torturous, beat the hell out of your body chemo, but was told that despite being in remission, her only chance for a cure would be a stem cell transplant.
The best result in the quickest amount of time, but also the most painful route. Made sense when you ask yourself the question, “ how do I get back to my family and my life quicker?” Teri did what she had to do and fought her way back to the life she built and loved.
I know now that God was talking to me through my friend when she told me to write my blog, but our connection through God doesn’t end there …
A Recent Conversation; Was God Listening?
A couple of months ago, I got a text from Teri. She had read my racism blog and wanted to tell me a story of how it touched her own life. At the end of the message, she proceeded to inform me her leukemia was back. WTF – How could it be back!? Her oldest son had just gotten married, and life was good. She did the transplant, so it isn’t supposed to come back, is it?
It turned out she was texting from the hospital while getting treatment. In the same text, she was revealing her new plight, she was speaking of her pride in my blog. All this is going on, and she is telling me she is proud of me? Another amazing example of a strong and unselfish woman, I am honored to call my friend.
We tried to get together during that week, but it didn’t happen until Sunday morning. When she did come, we knew we only had about 45 minutes to talk. The short amount of allotted time ultimately turned into an hour – we had too much talk to talk about and still do. We laughed, we cried, and I tried my best just to listen and hope I said the right things.
At some point in the conversation, I am asking her why she is working when she knows how important it is to be as sterile as possible. My friend tells me she needs to keep working for her family. She has to make sure that they will be ok financially and they need the health insurance etc.…
It was all about the money and putting her family’s future before her own life! A selfless mom was putting everyone else before herself. This is the point in the conversation when you decide to hell with saying the right or wrong thing. The synapses in my brain were shooting off in all cylinders – I just had to be honest and say what was on my mind…
Me: “What are you talking about? Your family does not give a shit about the money – they want you to be alive and healthy. You just got through telling me that you want to do what makes you happy and in the next breath you are telling me you have to keep working.”
Teri: “I do love my job, too.”
Me: “You can go back to your job when you are better.”
Of course, there were a few more tears, and personal things said about the topic, and off she went for her appointment. I hoped that I had convinced her … she did say that she had heard me!
Teri Gets a Message
A few hours later, I get a text from her:
So, on my way to Barnes and Noble a homeless guy “self described” in a nice red tracksuit and leather shoes stopped me, told me his sad story (in a nutshell) at which point I responded “well I have leukemia and tomorrow I start the second round of chemotherapy for the next 10 days.” He was taken aback; then I get “well, you don’t look like someone with cancer, you’re a beautiful woman.”
He looked me over trying to figure out how I could be someone with cancer. I have to admit my skin was glowing and I’m glad I had the facial. It was nice to have my arms massaged as opposed to being stuck with needles. I said to him “you want money” he said he wanted to get a meal. I said, “I don’t care about money, I just want to live and be there for my family.” I gave him $10 and wished him luck. Cancer patient and homeless man compare war stories on the streets of White Plains. Hope to see you soon. I feel my conversation with you has only started.
Her text blew me away, and I was reminded of the story of Jesus coming to dinner.
I asked her if she knew the story of God coming in different forms. He had heard our conversation and responded. That opened up a dialog about God and our beliefs. We both believed this was no coincidence. God is everywhere and in us. Teri went from saying ‘she was worth more in death than she was alive’ to realizing the money didn’t matter in a matter of hours. God worked fast, and her priorities shifted.
God comes and talks to us, but you have to be open and listen. It may be quietly, or he may be loud, as I told you in the mid-life crisis part of my menopause blog. But he is there … I truly BELIEVE!
Another Message
In a more recent struggle with doubt and pain, Teri got another message. She randomly called a place looking for an at-home therapeutic massage. When the female therapist came to her house that very evening, she told Teri her name was Altagracia and explained its meaning. A name which means Highest Grace in reference to Mary, the Blessed Mother. Another messenger was letting her know she is not alone and her question of doubt was being answered.
A beautiful, blessed message that reminds me of one of my favorite poems, Footprints …
I know my friend may not feel like it right now, but Teri is a warrior and I couldn’t be more proud of her! She recently had pneumonia and is still recovering. My friend is fighting to go into remission again so she can do another stem cell transplant. Her first transplant was done through bethematch.org, and she asked if I would put this out there for anyone feeling inclined to be so generous to help somebody else in need. You can save a life! A bigger story on this will follow soon …
For today, all I ask Y’all is to please pray for Teri this Sunday morning and every day you remember. We both believe in the power of prayer and know it can move mountains.
For more on my faith, please read I Believe: The Current State of My Faith.
Thank you, as always, for all the love and support!
