The Others

As I sit in the Oncologist's/Infusion Center waiting room, I look around, and I wonder - Who are these people?  In fact they are really just like me and you.  Patients, loving family, helpful friends (rides), hired care givers/aides.  First-timers still reeling from their new reality, and seasoned veterans of years of attempts and patience (isn’t that why they call us “patients?”)

It’s written in our faces  –  the by-laws of this new club that we have all been forced to join.  And it shows in our eyes.  The slight twinkle of a hopeful outcome.  The distant gaze as if scouring the horizon for a cancer-less future ahead.  The teary sadness of the life-altering realization.  The wide-eyed shock and disbelief of the overwhelming new reality.  The vacant stare of a tired soldier weary from the seemingly endless battle.

Fate has tapped us on the shoulder and brought us all together here at this moment.  We may end up becoming infusion session acquaintances, or we may never meet again – but we will always share this common thread.  A collection of individuals among the throng of 7.5 billion, whose paths otherwise would never have crossed.  And now we are together.

Who are the Others?  The Others are we.  The Others are me.