All Aboard!

Here's Your Sign...I’ve always enjoyed comedians. I think it takes a special talent to not only deliver the punch line; but to remember it. Bill Engvall and Jeff Foxworthy are two of my favorites. You know, the guys that say, "Here's your sign" and "You know you're a redneck if..". These guys let us know that there really are some stupid people in the world. With three weeks of chemo and one week off, I pile in as much on my off week as I can. Probably more than I should. Therefore, I truly don’t have an abundance of time or energy. You would think going to the hospital for a scan couldn’t possibly turn into an event. Or going to the local Harris Teeter (grocery store) wouldn’t faze me. In both cases I was truly thinking; run in and out. So imagine my surprise when I pull up and see the SIGN for the Handicapped, the New Mom To Be sign, The NO Parking sign and not a spot for me within a mile (so it seemed). And then it hit me… Where is my sign? Where is the sign for people going through chemo that are truly out of energy? The sign that allows the mom with eight kids to pull up in the fire lane, so she can unload them. The sign for the family that has just lost a son, that on a good day a trip to the grocery story is more than they can bare. Where is the sign for the gentleman that just buried his wife; and all he wants to do is purchase a few cans of soup. Or, the sign for my friend’s wife who is helping him go through chemo; I know that she deserves a sign. Don’t we all crave for a sign sometimes in life? Not a sign that says we are truly rednecks or just plain dumb as dirt. But, a sign that lets us know that society truly cares, a sign that gives us the strength to continue on. Just imagine if McCain or Obama had the clever idea of passing a bill that gave us two days of true “signage” in life. No one could question when you used it or why. You would just pull it out as you needed it and grab that special parking spot. I think the sign that really got me going…and I was going good, was the New Mom sign. How about a sign for the mom going thru cancer and wants to survive. Or, the mom going thru cancer but forget to buy cupcakes for her daughter to bring to school, or the mom going thru cancer and wants to (for once) cook dinner for her family and not depend on others. Or, my favorite, mom going thru cancer and just wants to go somewhere to vegetate. I love my local Harris Teeter. I don’t think I’ve ever been there and not run into someone that I know. Someone that turned the dreaded shopping trip into a 30 minute social event for me. My daughter went to the store with Rob and when they returned I asked, “Did you see anyone that you knew?” She quickly responded, “No mommy, when I’m with Daddy we don’t see anyone.” I then realized that my husband is right. I will truly talk to anyone and everyone. I then asked her, “Are you sure?” (as if it’s impossible to go to the store and not turn it into a social hour). I love my Harris Teeter. A store where you want to put on the cutest outfit and a little eye liner because this is your one day out.
It reminds me of the famous Cheers song:

Making your way in the world today takes everything you've got.
(Especially when chemo is involved)
Taking a break from all your worries, sure would help a lot.
(nope, just need a parking spot)
Wouldn't you like to get away?
Sometimes you want to go
Where everybody knows your name,
(I’m thinking Harris Teeter can send a check at any moment)
and they're always glad you came.
You wanna be where you can see,
(a parking spot in site)
our troubles are all the same
You wanna be where everybody knows
Your name.

Judie Berry-Nix

Wife, Mom, Daughter, Sister, Niece, Friend
Breast Cancer Survivor

Here's to everyone that in the midst of their journey, took the time to create a sign.

As our train continues on, watch for the signs that our awesome
Heavenly "Conductor" has created for us.

Signs of Hope, Love, Strength and Faith

Don't let anyone ever take away your sign!