“I See You, I Honor You, and You are not Alone”

 

Dear Reader:

I had saved this poster from one of Kelly Rae Robert’s art works for several months on my desk top without ever using it…and now I know why…the perfect time had not arrived.

I finally took the time yesterday to delete old pictures and photos that I have already put in earlier posts…as to organize my desk top again.

When I got to this list of ways (under the title Kindness Changes Everything) we express kindness….each belief was more powerful and original than the last….some of my personal favorite beliefs from the artwork were:

I believe:

“When we extend our hearts to those in need, we also heal something important within ourselves.”

“I believe in listening to the wise voice of my heart and doing the right thing even when it’s scary!”

“I believe in hugs, spontaneous compliments, and smiling at strangers. These small acts matter deeply.”

“I believe celebrating others, encouraging their success, and lifting them up along the way, is essential to our collective well-being.”

And now here comes the God Wink….Ann Graves, a friend from church and recent ‘sister- in- pink’, was having a “love team rally” at her home last night as one of her fantastic neighbors agreed to cut her hair  amid (no doubt) applause and encouraging cheers. (*Ann’s hair has just started to fall out before her second upcoming chemo session for breast cancer.)

We talked for a long time on the phone yesterday…my stomach problems are keeping me inside more these days until hopefully this new side effect acclimates to Verzenio…my new cancer drug. I told Ann she would be in my prayers and I would be there in spirit.

When she told me which neighbor had gladly agreed to cut her hair and some background info on him ( Retired Marine “Carmine the Warrior”)…I was taken back with what he said when she asked him to cut her hair….Hadn’t I just read that….and here it was…the last “I believe” statement of kindness

“I believe we are all connected and kindness is the voice that softly says…”I see you, I honor you, and You are not alone.”

*Carmine told Ann (when asked if he would perform the hair-cutting ceremony) that it would be an honor to cut her hair and he wanted her to know that she would never be alone on this cancer journey. WOW! What a God Wink!

*When I called Ann to let her know about this amazing connection…she was stunned and moved too. God works in mysterious ways.

Carmine told the support team (before the marine shave) that he was wearing a symbolic t-shirt he had worn into combat because that is what Ann is now doing…preparing for combat and gathering all the tools and support from friends who have her back…everything she needs to be victorious! Surrounded by love.

I have learned from my own experiences facing this particular health challenge that we have to learn to leave searching for an explanation behind about why something befalls us….and instead search for the meaning within.

So until tomorrow…“We are all connected in this universe under the sun!” We are never alone…God sees to that!

“Today is my favorite day”  Winnie the Pooh

 

 

 

 

About Becky Dingle

I was born a Tarheel but ended up a Sandlapper. My grandparents were cotton farmers in Laurens, South Carolina and it was in my grandmother’s house that my love of storytelling began beside an old Franklin stove. When I graduated from Laurens High School, I attended Erskine College (Due West of what?) and would later get my Masters Degree in Education/Social Studies from Charleston Southern. I am presently an adjunct professor/clinical supervisor at CSU and have also taught at the College of Charleston. For 28 years I taught Social Studies through storytelling. My philosophy matched Rudyard Kipling’s quote: “If history were taught in the form of stories, it would never be forgotten.” Today I still spread this message through workshops and presentations throughout the state. The secret of success in teaching social studies is always in the story. I want to keep learning and being surprised by life…it is the greatest teacher. Like Kermit said, “When you’re green you grow, when you’re ripe you rot.”
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4 Responses to “I See You, I Honor You, and You are not Alone”

  1. Kathy Worthington says:

    You really nailed it Becky! Believe me, you were felt in spirit and it was a wonderful, uplifting event!

    • Becky Dingle says:

      Thanks Kathy…hated to miss it…slowly but surely my bouts with my stomach are slowing down….hopefully the side effects from this new drug will level off.

  2. Gin-g Edwards says:

    Hoping that each day the stomach issues will fade away…

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