Yesterday we took our daughter back to school after a wonderful Thanksgiving break. She was home for a full eleven days of laughter, food, and much needed sleep. Her last week of school was a plethora of final exams and long study sessions. Her hard work resulted in making the honor roll and receiving four nominations for Head of School.
As we drove onto the campus we followed the illuminated trail of lampposts to our daughter’s dorm. From our car we could see the lit Christmas tree sitting on the porch of the otherwise dark home. We were the first to arrive. As we lugged all of her belonging up the flight of stairs to her dorm room we were meet with Joelle our daughter’s roommate’s mother. Our daughter rushed ahead of us, dumped her things on her bed pleased to be back. We quickly got her settled and said our goodbyes. It wasn’t difficult for either of us to say goodbye. We are all evolving.
Downstairs we discovered that Joelle was waiting for a cab to the Trenton Train Station. Of course I volunteered our services, a gesture that my wife is accustomed to me making. On our way to the train station I suggested that we stop for dinner and decided on a small quaint Italian restaurant. I only wish I had BYOB. Dinner was fantastic. But what made it better was our discussion on life. You see Joelle is currently undergoing treatment for Breast Cancer. Her spirits remained high and her attitude was more than positive, her attitude was an affirmation that she was going to be okay. I asked questions that most people would think to personal but Joelle was open and willing to put my curiosity at ease. My wife listened quietly interested in what she had to say and for once was not embarrassed by my intrusive questioning. Joelle reminded me of how great my life is, of how great her life is because of her illness. It does not define her. Joelle loves to travel and still does; she reads books, watches movies and hangs out with friends. She lives a productive normal life. To see her, one would never know her circumstance. My wife and thoroughly enjoyed our time with Joelle. She is strong, motivated and determined who puts into perspective the real meaning of being thankful during this season. Follow her story at www.caringbridge.org/visit/joellewilliams
