139

6 139 1 erased

Today,
when my daughter’s ankle needed a second opinion,
and her doctor, our friend and cousin,
a dear and caring soul
who gives the best hugs ever
was unavailable
while focusing on his own healing,
I met a woman,
a doctor,
I would send Nancy to
without hesitation.
A woman,
a doctor,
who, like Frank,
knows that healing
involves caring
and eye contact
and laughter
and hugs.
A woman,
a doctor,
who, when she saw me stitching,
asked what I was doing
and stopped to listen,
really listen, I’m telling you,
and when I said I’m doing this
to give Nancy
and others like Nancy –
people from whom we tend to turn away –
voice and visibility,
grabbed her heart
and asked to see more,
vowing to find me on Facebook, even.

This woman,
this doctor,
is called Judith Chauvin.
She now knows my daughter,
and me,
and maybe one day,
if the need ever presents itself,
she’ll know Nancy, too.

139

~~~~~~~~~

She is my developmentally disabled sister-in-law, Nancy,
and I am Jeanne, the woman who flat-out loves her.
Go here to start at the beginning.

30 Comments

  1. Mark

    Great read. There is much truth in these sketches of self.

    • whollyjeanne

      thanks, mark. i see you’ve had the same party guests.

      • Mark

        Were they as messy at your party?

  2. Mrsmediocrity

    once again, the first thing that comes to mind is: you rock! i love every single girl you bring to the party, with all my heart.

    • whollyjeanne

      oh kelly. kelly, kelly, kelly. and how do i love you back? let me see if i can begin to count the ways.

  3. Emily

    Ooo- I know these girls well. Aren’t they fun to disect when they come out! Unfortunately, I brought out WhatWasIThinking girl last night;)

    • whollyjeanne

      me, i’d rather kill them in their sleep . . . all except for one;)

  4. Dayna

    Now THAT’S a party! I wannabe Wannabe Girl!

  5. Geekin' Hard

    I know you’ve heard it all before but jeanne fo feenee banana ranna bo beenie… you rock.

    • whollyjeanne

      oh brad, i never tire of hearing you sing that song.

  6. Deborah Tjong A Hung

    I can certainly find myself in some of these girls.

    • whollyjeanne

      well, actually, i’m glad (misery loves company) and i’m sorry (except for the ms. wannabe)!

  7. Tia Sparkles Singh

    What an awesome, unique party post! I like wannabe girl 🙂 I’m all the other girls too but wannabe girl kicks ass doesn’t she? Go Wanna! Go Wanna!

    • whollyjeanne

      on yes. wannabe kicks ass. and then some.

  8. Danielle

    Yet again, your creativity & uniqueness blows me away. Love that I can relate to these girls & that you nailed it!

    • whollyjeanne

      thank you, danielle. glad you can relate . . . and sorry you can relate (to some of the party guests, anyway!)

  9. marjory

    This is my kind of party Jeanne, all guests welcome, a feast. A delight to read your words. Love!

    • whollyjeanne

      each of them does contribute something. it’s like a covered dish party. i mean, feast!

  10. schmutzie

    This weblog is being featured on Five Star Friday!
    http://www.schmutzie.com/fivestarfriday/2010/12/10/five-star-fridays-130th-edition-is-brought-to-you-by-james-f.html

    • whollyjeanne

      oh WOW. what an HONOR. i’m thrilled – thank you. i’ve often dropped in to see the five-star friday list, never dreaming i’d be there one day. thank you.

  11. Brooke Farmer

    Congratulations, Trophy Girl. I loved every word.

    • whollyjeanne

      brooke, brooke, brooke. i am liking you more and more. the post i read over at your place last night was fabo.

  12. Heather

    Oh and how I know these girls! You wrote them so well. I felt them sitting on my shoulders to see their lives in print. I love your voice! Thank you.

    • whollyjeanne

      i love how you put that: looking over your shoulder to see their lives in print. love it. and you, of course.

  13. Stereo.*

    What a unique and kickass post! You bring a smile to my face every single day with your posts 🙂

    • whollyjeanne

      thank you, stereo. you know, the word “kickass” always makes me smile for some reason that i don’t think i’ll bother to excavate;)

  14. Vinita

    Brilliant party post! Thank yo!

    • whollyjeanne

      thanks, vinita. glad you dropped by. can i refill your drink?

  15. Stephanie (@dancingwaves)

    This is wonderful! Brimming with imagery and I can just see sparkles and glitter all over wannabe girl.

    Stephanie
    @dancingwaves

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