The Colon Club

So I had 2 overwhelming things happen today because of my cancer. Firstly, we decided to get an estimate from a cleaning services, to come 1 or 2 times a month. The owner if the service came this morning to see our house. We live in a simple 3 bedroom 2 bath ranch house in New Jersey. We stated that I was I'll and had surgery and would be starting chemo again, hence why we needed the help. The lady wrote up the biweekly service charge and stated that the initial cleaning, which is usually more expensive, would be on the house. My husband and I were speechless, but thankful.

Then I needed to make an appointment for my second daughter to get her graces put on. We are using the same orthodontist we used for our older daughter. I had been to the office 3 weeks ago and told the doc we were ready to get started and he should just send us the contract. I told him about my recurrence and that we Judy wanted to get the braces started before things got even crazier. When I called today I mentioned that the contact did not have the info about the payment plan. The receptionist checked the chart and told me that the doctor would be accepting the insurance payments as paid in full! I started to cry!

I realize than these are small expenses for large companies. They are probably even right offs, but still, I didn't know what to say. We did not ask for discounts, but they are of course helpful, yet I feel guilty at the same time. I don't want to feel like I am taking advantage of my illness.

My husband will speak to the orthodontist when they go to the appointment, maybe negotiate a discount that I am more comfortable with. I was too overwhelmed with just the offer to even talk about it.

But while I am on a steak maybe I should go to Home Depot tonight because we really need to replace our shower stall

Debbi

That is so nice - it really restores your faith in mankind, doesn't it! It's a real pick-me-up to think that these people who don't really know you are so willing to do a kindness for you and your family.

That is really nice and brought tears to my eyes. You should graciously accept on the braces and use that money to have some fun with your family. Seriously...you didn't ask for it and I'm sure it will make the doctor feel good to know how much you appreciate it.

Debbie


I really liked your post. I hope both of them receive a special blessing. Take care and have a special weekend.

Sheila

Wonderful. I would just accept the generosity. If someone wants to do it...let them. My mothers hairdresser refused to charge her for a haircut ever since her hair grew back.

That is awesome. So glad you are in an area with such kindness and generosity.

There are so many caring and giving people. I'm so glad you and your family are recipients of their generosity. Just pay it forward when you see someone in need.

The amazing amount of kindness I have been shown is amazing. I have had to learn how to accept help and truley appreciate it. I am sure you would go out of your way to help some one in your position so accept the offers and say thank you. It's always hard to accept it but do it. I second spending the money on fun things for your family.

I hadn't thought how important it is to allow other people to help me until one day when I was ill a friend prayed out loud - please let her accept our assistance and let us help her as she needs us to.

Then I realised that it is important to be a recipient so that others can be donors. We all want to give help but sometimes we have to be the ones to receive help.

Wishing you all the best

Sophy

Yes, accepting random acts of kindness or offers of help is important. I know my son gets frustrated because his step-dad, the cancer patient, won't ever accept little offers of assistance. Though I know there's probably some male pride thing wrapped up in this, I feel it's more kind to accept help once in a while. Last week when I was with my husband at the hospital for his infusion, in the infusion area I saw a sign that said something like "Let others be of help." I realized that probably a lot of cancer patients, not just my husband, need to learn to help us by letting us help them. There's so little caregivers can do to turn the tide of events, so allowing us to do something nice makes us feel like we're useful.

Hi Debbi

My guess is this is partly about karma and all your support for others in the past is coming back to you. Drink it all in and let it give you even more strength.

Sam x

Thank you all for the support. I think it is hardest to accept the support, especially from the orthodontist, because of its financial value. I know I didn't ask for "free" braces, and he just wants to help us out.

I will do my best to accept the help of others and definetely pay it foward whenever I can.

Debbi

Wow - that is wonderful! It's so nice to hear of these acts of kindness. When I started chemo back in 2008 I got a housekeeper to come in every 2 weeks. It helps so much. It allows you to spend your time and energy on things you really want to do instead of things you feel you have to do.

And having 2 kids in braces, I know how expensive that is. Our dental insurance just renewed and we have NO coverage at all for orthodontics. And my kids REALLY need braces. So that's a wonderful gift this doctor is giving you. We pay for the braces monthly - spread out over 3 years (no interest). The additional expense that we are incurring from having no insurance is going to be tacked onto the end of the contract - again, with no interest. So that's not too bad.

It really does renew your faith in others when these things happen. Thank you for sharing!

That's what wonderful and heart warming ... there are still good people in this world who want to help others and care about others.

Since my diagnosis, I have been touched by the love and kindness of so many. What has surprised me most though is that this love and kindness, often, came from unexpected sources, total strangers sometimes ... those that I had considered closer friends and some even in my family, abandoned me in my time of need.

Thank you for sharing this beautiful story!

I remember when I was going through treatments, I really had a hard time accepting anything from anyone. But then I think back on my life, and remember all of the times that I had done similar things for people in difficult situations, and I tried to swallow my pride and let them give because I could relate to how it made them feel.

My husband hated it when people did things for us - like the time 27 of our family and friends came out for a "Yard Crashers Party" and got our jungle under control. I considered it a true blessing, but it made my husband feel like he was being judged for not keeping things together while I was sick.

I always told him, "This isn't about you....this is about what my friends and family need right now." They all wanted to help, but didn't know how.