A couple of months ago, My Dad was asked to speak at a Relay for Life Event at two prison units near Tucson regarding his Cancer journey. The day was eye opening and enlightening for both of us. The full blog post can be viewed here:
http://projectjmz.blogspot.com/2016/08/another-day-that-changed-my-life.html
On October 20th, we returned to one of the same two units to participate in their Relay.
Going into the prison is always an attitude adjustment day.
It makes me thankful, appreciative, and grateful.
It goes both ways.
The inmates were so appreciative and thankful that we were there to help them with their Relay for Life event.
The day, once again, opened my eyes in more ways than I can describe,
but I'm going to try to.
These are people who made mistakes, and are paying the price.
They are people who have had cancer,
and who have had cancer steal people from them.
They are you, and they are me.
I felt we walked into and were welcomed immediately, into a family.
We have never felt more welcomed with open arms.
We were hugged and embraced, and shook hands and high fived with so many.
My Father had his head kissed and they blessed him!
One of the guys who we had met before on our previous visit to this unit came up to us as Dad was being introduced to the audience. He asked "Can I wheel him in the wheelchair to the podium? I would be so honored"
Wow. How touching. Not a "surprised" wow, but a confirmation of just how highly we were regarded. It's over 24 hours later and I'm still processing everything and reliving moments from the day, over and over, in my head.
Once again, I had the honor of watching my Dad captivate the audience as he gave his
speech. He "HAD" them!
Throughout his speech and as we walked the Unity Lap, they cheered for him, and clapped. They cheered for me, as his son and Caregiver. I think for the first time, I might have just begun to realize exactly how much support I provide to my Dad and Mom, and how it comes across to others. I joked that I was "the chauffeur" but to him, I am truly much more than that.
He called me out in his speech which usually makes me want to disappear in a corner somewhere, but this time i was already front and center, holding the microphone for him so he could focus on his speech. In hindsight, it was an ironic yet symbolic display of how I support my Dad each and everyday.
They asked him to lead the Unity Lap, and he did, as I got a good workout in pushing him in a wheelchair.
Some of the many comments and compliments we received:
"Thank You for driving him here"
"God Bless You"
"Your story really touched me."
"You are a walking miracle"
"These guys complain about a sore ankle. They have nothing on you"
"Take care of your Dad"
More hugs, embraces, shakes and high fives, and of course, more patting and kissing of Dad's head.
After we left, my Dad commented that he felt safer inside the walls of the prison than outside. So did I. All this craziness out here, and all we felt inside was love, support, and protection. We were embraced, loved, and honored.
It was the least judged place I have ever been in my life.
There was just pure and complete acceptance of us,
something I just don't experience in many places like I did here.
And I was a male wearing a purple tutu at the time!
As we left the parking lot, the song "Time of Your Life" was playing on the radio. I couldn't agree more. The universe was sending us another sign.
Speaking of signs, I saw this on the way home and I felt it summed everything up quite nicely:
"It's not what you look at that matters, It's what you see"
The day at the Prison was an overwhelming experience for both us.
Prison Days change my life, and even if I don't realize I need it, they adjust my attitude and apply a course correction.
The two prisons we've attended Relay for Life events at continue to be the most inspiring and awesome events we've ever been to. Like the 1st visit, I felt "something magical" and life changing about the whole experience. I hope to return for many more such events.
