Private Treasure

During much of this journey, others are with me, either family that come with me, others there for healing and medical personnel.  Radiation is different.  There are others in the waiting room and then I’m escorted back to the room for the healing treatment.

I remove my top, cover with a towel and lay on a long flat table covered with a sheet.  There is a hollow for my head and a support is beneath my knees.  The sheet covers only part of the table and the uncovered part is really cold.  It wakes me up.  My feet are tied (no movement) and I am holding a pole behind my head.  The technicians move my body (no helping) into the exact position needed for radiation.  There are marks being used as guides.

When I’m in the correct position, they leave, close the door and begin the healing treatment.  I’m on the table.  I am alone.  Christmas music is playing.  For 10-15 minutes as the machine works, it’s me, the table, the music and whatever I brought with me.

A friend learned her multiplication tables.  I’m working on mine.  Mostly, I tell myself stories.  Having learned hundreds maybe a thousand stories over the past 20 years, I am enjoying them all over again.  

 I’ve only learned stories that stirred my emotions and held meaning for me.  Now, those same stories I shared with audiences, have become my private treasure.