I have
Received a Giving Key
With the word
STRENGTH
My Story
Nov 2017: I had been on vacation in the Dominican with my best friends and one of them suddenly had a seizure. I was certain I was watching her die. I remember thinking "Wow. This is how tragedy happens. She's going to die on this beach and you can't save her". Thankfully that was NOT the case. We got her medical care, came home as fast as we could. She was diagnosed with a brain tumor. She underwent brain surgery Dec 2017 to remove as much of the tumor as possible.
During this time, I felt very depressed and lost all motivation. She was all I could think about. Would she be okay? How can I get her through this? How can I get me through this? What will I do if I have to live life without her? Is what I'm doing even enough? This isn't supposed to be happening - we're only 30! I certainly wasn't engaging in any self care whatsoever, which was becoming detrimental to my physical and mental health.
Christmas 2017: The best gift I could have received was my Giving Key. My word was STRENGTH. It was one of the most heartfelt gifts I've ever received, given to me by my brother. He has known pain and suffering, having battled drug addition (he's 5 years clean now). Receiving this gift from him was extra powerful knowing that he has more Strength than anyone I have ever known. He knew I needed Strength to help support my friends AND myself. I've worked hard for months to embrace this word and to embrace self care. I've found a healthy balance and I'm grateful my brother was able to support me in such a creative way.
I decided to pass on my key to my friend with the hope it will give her the Strength to keep fighting. She's battling through chemo now - its hard on her. I sent it to her with a letter of encouragement. She just received it today, on a day she said she really needed it. Hoping this can do for her what its done for me. She needs it far more than I ever did, and she's far stronger than I'll ever be. I'm grateful to share this gift with her. Keep fighting!
Jaclyn
