Today I hopped on to this nice little meeting place of ours and found a very pleasant surprise! No, I didn't receive an e-mail from you or anything (perhaps heaven's outgoing internet connection is down?!), but this still made me smile pretty big.
I logged on this morning to see that I inspired one of my blog friends to write some letters of her own. I'm ecstatic when I hear how special my writing and the idea behind it are, but it's another feeling completely to actually see that I am encouraging someone to open her heart and let her emotions pour right out through her fingertips. She titled it 'Letters of Release (Thanks to Sami)', however, it is me who is truly thankful.
Carly is 21 years old and has stage IV ovarian cancer like you did. She is living my biggest fear, yet does it with poise, strength, love, and faith. She is the true inspiration. I feel fortunate for this chance to get to know her, honored to read her thoughts, and excited to follow her journey towards her next cancer free day.
People often underestimate how their words can completely change someone's day, the way they feel about themselves, or their outlook in life. Carly is definitely not one of those people! She recently wrote me the sweetest message that I immediately printed out to reread a million times over. Here are some pieces of it:
I absolutely love your idea for blogging and the way in which you do it. It is so real, and every time I read it, it makes me happy to know that someone else is opening up and giving themselves a chance to feel their way through the roughest part of this. It's tough to write sometimes, but you have hit the nail on the head-- you connect yourself to what matters while still being able to move forward and grow through each experience. Your blog is especially inspiring to me. :-)
I'm so happy that you enjoy reading my blog. I worry sometimes that I've lost a little bit of my zeal or sunshine in my recent posts, but according to you, the beauty is still there. Thank you so much for your kind words. It's wonderful to know someone my age reads it and understands it... and what's more appreciates it. I'm a very lucky girl.
I have to say that after that, I'm feeling pretty lucky too.
Love,
Sami
Sami, I agree with Carly that you inspire through your blog because you do connect with what really matters. I notice this even when you comment on my blog as well. Written words are pretty powerful,aren't they? It's amazing when one discovers, as you have, how much of a difference our words can make to someone "out there." I think you and Carly are both inspirational!
ReplyDeleteNancy, written words certainly are powerful. There is just something about being able to read something on a page and then reread as often as needed to get you through a tough day.
ReplyDeleteMy mom wrote me a little pointless note before in marker, and I decided to just cut out the part where she signed it saying "Love you -Mom" and throw the rest away. I never thought I would still be clinging to this little piece of computer paper so many years later, but here it is on my desk at home, reminding me of how much I'm loved :-)