We all make a difference

This morning I had one of the most humbling experiences of my life and it took place at my chiropodists. No, it was nothing to do with being chastised for neglecting my feet. I don't actually, and I am very proud of their good shape. They got me to the finish line of my half marathon without even a blister, and they very much enjoy walking the streets of my lovely city. They have a good and cherished life, and they don't much miss the opportunity to wear Manolos. (I do, but that's another story.)

No, my humbling experience was everything to do with being told by my chiropodist that, a mere twelve weeks ago, I had saved his life.

It's not something you get told everyday and certainly not whilst you are sitting in a chair whilst a man scrapes off the hard skin from your dainty heels. I remember my appointment twelve weeks ago very well because my normal one hour session took more like two as James shared his distress at his news. He didn't go into too much detail, it was too distressing for that. But he said that he had to go back for more tests, that it didn't look good at all and that he was in a right state with it.

I could see that. He was carrying the weight of his world on his shoulders and the light had gone out of his eyes.

Since this is what I do, I listened mostly, and I suggested a few things that he could try, that might help. One of them was the Inner Talk CDs that had been recommended to me by Jules (Wonder) Wyman earlier this year, during a period when I too was floundering in a dark night of a different kind. These CDs are very gentle, very soothing and very powerful. On the surface you hear music, rather nice music in fact, whilst at the unconscious level you absorb dozens of positive statements to help you - to heal and get well, to find more self esteem, to be more motivated or any of a whole range of other darn good things.

As I left that room I remember thinking, he'll take me up on that, I know he will. He is not someone who has ever really encountered my world before so it was a little act of faith, that reaching out. But I knew he would do it, because he was in a bad way, and when you are in a bad way you will try anything that you know won't harm and that you think might help.

And so to this morning. James is beaming and clearly delighted to see me. In all of the dark haze that had surrounded his bleak news and his reaction to it, he hadn't been quite sure if he remembered the name of the woman who told him about the CDs. He wasn't even supposed to be back at work but when he heard I'd booked in, he remembered my name and he made the connection and decided I would be his first patient on his return to work.

It had been cancer. He got the best of NHS care and went through a very serious operation - and he was ready for it all. Because four days after he started listening to the CDs his wife noticed the amazing difference in him and he himself became fully aware that the dark cloud had shifted, that he felt well, and happy and positive. And he went on to fight his dragon with heart and spirit intact.   

The good news is that his recovery astonished his medical team with its speed. The even better news is that they found no more cancer cells, the expected chemotherapy therefore not required, so his recovery will be complete.

He is grateful for it all, for the skill and care of the medics and for the chance connection with someone who listened and who helped him to find his right mind. He did the work, in the end.

If James had given me a £1million pounds today instead of his smiling thanks I couldn't have been more overjoyed.

We all make a difference. Someone before Jules made a difference to her. Jules made a difference to me, I made a difference to James and this story will make a difference to everyone who reads it. The circle never ends and never will.

So keep the circle going.

You can find the CDs at www.innertalk.co.uk

I have no vested interest. Other than the joy I have just experienced.

Wishing you magic and miracles, always and forever.

    

Comments

[Kate]

What a story! Brought a tear of joy to my eye. Thank you for sharing.

[Tim Sundown]

Beyond magical. :o)