When Rev. Jonathan Scott gave the benediction at a Cancer Survivorship Day on Sept. 29, he spoke about the importance of "being in the moment."
Scott is a chaplain at Day Kimball Healthcare. He knew many of the people who came out for the annual event. He's familiar with the concerns and challenges facing all patients, but especially those diagnosed with cancer. He spoke about how impressed he was by the survivors he knew, and the lives they led.
"Making the most of each moment, living one day at a time is a lesson we need to be mindful of," he said, "And survivors know this lesson well."
What can I accomplish today?
What will my treatment be today?
What will my body allow me to do today?
He spoke of a friend who told him her cancer diagnosis gave her life an intentionality it didn't have before.
"Life truly is precious," Scott said. "Sometimes, it's the fragility of life that reminds us of that."
But there is community, too _ of family and friends, medical providers, neighbors, and parishes and businesses and sometimes strangers _ who respond when we need help.
"Sometimes we give support, other times we get it," he said. "We're there for one another."
We don't know when the rains will come, when the sun will shine again, whether we'll make progress, or fall behind, he said. But there are people and other patients who journey with us through it all.
Scott led them in singing "The Itsy Bitsy Spider," before the Extraordinary Rendition Band made a grand entrance. The 20-piece band marched through Roseland Park and set the crowd clapping. And for a moment, all was joyful and well.
