(Dedicated to family caregivers everywhere!)

You see me on my worst days when you sit silently, a gentle presence in a turbulent world.

You reach out to me with no expectation for reply. You know that my curtain of silence is not drawn to exclude you, and that soon I will lift it to welcome the healing light.

Your calm demeanor is unwavering as I navigate through countless appointments, tests, prodding and poking, deductibles, co-pays, new treatments, chaos.

You, above all, are the one to reassure me, that hope is on the horizon, that I can still enjoy good health.

You are at the center of my world, my inner circle, a great encourager, my caregiver.

Please hold these thoughts deep in your heart:

I appreciate you.

I thank you.

I love you.

© Ron Cooper 2020

Adapted from Ron’s book on his cancer journey