Tuesday, September 9

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!

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

You go girl!! I am soooo proud of you and hey, we should all start a blog to get out that frustration:) I can't wait for the next string of great news, until then...All Aboard!!

Jennifer Sorrell

Anonymous said...

Judie -
I look forward to every update to your blog so much ... I truly wish you did it weekly because I love them so much! You are absolutely the most positive, happy and upbeat person I have ever met in my life and such an inspiration to me and so many others. You're amazing! Your girls are so very fortunate to have a Mommy like you and I'm very fortunate to have you as a dear friend :) My thoughts and prayers are with you always!!

Judy Lawson

Debbie Bright said...

Judie,
You have redefine the word courage. We all have giants in our lives, some of us more than the others. You are my little sister, but I always walk away from you with some many "lessons learned". I have always loved your tenacity. (I remember sitting in your apartment kitchen gluing frills and lace on those small wicker baskets so that we could sell them at the farmers market the next day----lol!). Peace, love and hugs to my wonderful, briefcase carrying friend!

Tangela White said...

Judie, what can I say.....You are wonderful! You inspire me each month with your blog. Thank you so much for being such a great friend throughout the years. We have a sign that reads: "friends forever"
Keep the train rolling, I'm enjoying my ride! Stay strong!

Debra said...

Hi Judi! I am sooo happy to hear the great news! That is awsome and you are amazing, such a wonderful role model for your two beautiful daughters. I would like to prepare dinner for you again before we move, or better yet have the family over, let's set a date! Keep up the good work. Debra

Annie Raborn said...

Judie,
you need the sign "Friends Forever!" The Friend who comes to the doctors office to get you thru the 1st chemo to the last, the Friend who tells you this is what they are going to do next. The Friend who answers any question because she has already set in that chair. The friend who will compare scars with you, and hold your hand.
Your are the brightest star I know
Annie

Sandra said...

Hang in there Judie - Linda has shared with me your blogs. Would you please add my email to the list? You know that you are special to me, and I will always cherish the times that we have been together. I think you should have your own sign, so you can park and enjoy your time visiting in Harris Teeter. Love to all - Sandra Hussey skdhus@gmail.com

Helen said...

Hey girl, you are such an inspiration and blessing to me and so many others. Keep ALL BOARD coming. It is exciting not knowing what lies ahead for us around the next bend as we roll down the tracks with our Father at the Helm. You and your family are in my prayers daily and I look forward to your next edition. Now I ask that you allow me a blessing by doing something for you. Just name it! Helen Schott