The Midnight of Hope
Spent last New Year’s Eve at City of Hope Alone in my room, didn’t know how I’d cope Thinking of the all the champagne, the confetti, the cheers Of others feasting and singing to welcome New Year’s
Friends came to visit but left before 10 p.m. I didn’t want friends to miss the parties and joy offered to them The world danced in the streets to celebrate the night And here I was tethered, fighting for my life
Broken and sobbing in my bed Uncertainty and fear swirling in my head Brooding about the fun at midnight I’d miss Realizing… I had no one to kiss
Hearing the medical clicks from my IV pole I remember, I began to cry into my pillow Holding on to Hope and not wanting to believe That I probably wouldn’t see next New Year’s Eve
But now it’s a year later and I’m cancer-free This year Times Square is waiting for me I have doctors and loved ones to thank for this And this year, I look forward to that sweet kiss.
:)
But thinking again, I realize I am wrong January 1st only sings a small part of the song For if Midnight can bring Hope, about Life Anew, Of Joy, of Freedom and of Gratitude
If in the coldest of winter, at the darkest of night We can still find in ourselves, our own Ball of Light Then I don’t need Dick Clark or a Fireworks display For the anniversary of my marrow transplant is my New Year’s Day
By Christine Pechera Dec 18, 2007
Without Warning, Without William
Tears never run dry,
The moment I think of you,
The moment I remember
How your cancer devoured your lungs,
Penetrated through your bones,
Metastasized in your blood.
Papa, I miss you!
It’s hard to let go
The memories you and I
Shared, cherished
As father and daughter.
You were taken away from me
So suddenly,
Without pity,
Without compassion,
So sudden,
That it has never been easy
To accept you’re gone.
You left without warning,
Without saying goodbye,
But, deep in my heart,
I know you fought
To overcome a feeling of unpleasantness
that manifested your body
as a result of nociception.
You were resuscitated three times
on May 30th 2003,
then at 3:30 a.m. your heart withered
Although your mind was well and alive
Hoping and praying for the best
Then you emancipated.
I miss you dearly Papa,
But my mind is at peace
And comfort knowing
That you are in a better place
You will always be in my heart forever.
By Eunicia Reburiano
In Loving Memory of My Father William Chua Reburiano
From This Day Forward
The holidays are past; the presents have been opened, worn, returned or re-gifted. For my fellow cancer patients, holidays, in fact, any days, are good. Meals and music and family events are wonderful, but the calendar shows us that all those are now memories in our mind albums.
Today is the day that counts.
With the time we have, who will we help? What cause can we support? Is there a child or an old person or a teenager who might benefit from our money, our education, our experience?
Can a family split be repaired? Can a friendship be rekindled? Can love be expressed more completely? Are there words we need to say, to write, to record?
Everything is possible in the new year.
By Julie Davey
Writing for Wellness Instructor
A New Year’s Wish for 2008
H ealth and healing for the world
A nd let’s not forget joy,
P rayers for peace, patience and love,
P assionate pursuit of our dreams, and
Y outhful enthusiasm.
N everending gratitude,
E nergy Galore, and
W isdom.
Y es rather than no,
E nduring grace,
A rtistic achievements, and a
R eturn to innocence.
May all your dreams be realized in the new year!
By Edna Teller
City of Hope’s departments of Patient, Family & Community Education and Communications produce Hope Notes. Please contact Linda Baginski, editor, at 626-256-4673, ext. 62978, fax 626-301-8868 or e-mail: lbaginski@coh.org
