RINGING THE BELL

In the radiation lobby sits a large silver bell.  Once you complete your radiation treatments, tradition has it that you ring the bell signally the end.  Every time the bell is rung the rest of us, waiting in the lobby, clap and wish it were us who get to walk out of the lobby for the last time!

The bell was donated by a former patient and just the other day I had to walk over and read the inscription at the bottom:

"THE BELL RINGERS"

As the sailing ships of another generation relied on their ship's bell to signal their position in the fog, may this bell enable you who ring it to navigate your way to a life free from cancer.

generously donated by

FRANK McKEE

"Grateful Patient"

If you are ever feeling depressed or sad about your life drive down to the University of Penn and sit in the radiation lobby for a while.  I promise that you will walk out thanking God for the life he has given you.  Today I saw two parents pushing a stroller with their little one, maybe a year old, bald from chemo and just finished with their baby's radiation.  Yesterday, a little girl about Kenzie's age came bouncing into the lobby--bald and ready for her next radiation appointment.  And a couple weeks ago a man, just about my age, rang the bell and left a lasting image in my mind.  

He walked out of the radiation area and into the lobby.  His family was waiting for him--wife and 3 boys (about the same ages as my kids).  He looked so incredibly healthy I had to look twice to make sure he was the patient.  He looked like a tri-athlete.  His family had joined him on this day to "ring the bell" - his last radiation appointment behind him.  I watched the family as they moved toward the bell--because all I could think of was how similiar he was to me!  When people ring the bell, some shout--others yell "GOOD LUCK" to the rest of us in the lobby--but he did neither.  He quietly rang the bell, his wife took pictures and out the door they went.  It was his eyes that grabbed my attention.  Filled with sadness.  So glad to be done but almost afraid to celebrate.  I knew EXACTLY how he felt.  As I watched him tears rolled down my cheeks.  I keep thinking about him.  And the lyrics to the song "THE WORDS I WOULD SAY" by The Sidewalk Prophets keep popping into my head.  Because that's what I would tell him if I could.

Be strong in the Lord
And never give up hope
You're gonna do great things
I already know
God's got His hand on You
So don't live life in fear
Forgive and forget
But don't forget why you're here

Take your time and pray
And thank God for each dayHis love will find a way
These are the words I would say. . . 

Now . . . if I could just believe those same words . . . . . 

Today the bell was rung by me!  September 14, 2012