Soul Gardening: Jadan's Cancer Journey

We have begun the second week of taking a break from chemo treatment. Monday, September 8th, will be the first day of Jadan’s third round of chemotherapy. As Jadan progresses through treatment, he has experienced an increase in fatigue and nausea. Managing both can be challenging at times. He continues to immerse his soul in playing guitar and piano. I am instantly filled with gratitude when the house is filled with Jadan’s piano music, especially in the mornings.

Jadan has also been deep diving into his courses: Physics 3, Differential Equations, and piano. His instructors remain available outside regular class time to help accommodate Jadan’s immunocompromised health. When Jadan attends lectures with professors, he wears a mask. Kevin and Jadan often work on problems together at the dining table. I also benefit from Jadan’s learning by being taught formulas and equations that explain reality in space and time. Truly a gift!

In a time when so much is unknown about Jadan’s health and the future, one truth infuses us with strength of purpose—the power of love. Love has taken the form of prayers, emails, letters, thoughtful packages, cookies, time with family and visits from friends, bringing soft, cuddly reminders of friendship. Words fall short in expressing how grateful we all are for the continued love and support. The love expressed by family and friends reminds Jadan (all of us) that we are not alone. One of the side of effects of grief and experiencing any form of loss is feeling alone. Symbols, signs and tokens of love give us hope, courage and serve as reminders to persevere in times of tests and difficulties.

Being immersed in the power of love reminds me of Laurie and her steadfast courage during her 30 days of radiation treatment. One year ago from August 30th – last Saturday – we surprised her with the biggest balloon we could find. I remember hiding outside, waiting for her and Dave to come out. Several passerbys were hoping they were the recipients of the giant rose balloon and flowers. It is hard to believe so much as changed in such little time. It feels like we lived a lifetime in a year.

Art inspired by love, beauty and knowledge found in nature:

Say: Nature in its essence is the embodiment of My Name, the Maker, the Creator. Its manifestations are diversified by varying causes, and in this diversity there are signs for men of discernment. Nature is God’s Will and is its expression in and through the contingent world. It is a dispensation of Providence ordained by the Ordainer, the All-Wise.— Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, Lawh-i-Hikmat