Fighting Breast Cancer

I’m may risk offending some of my readers right now, because I’m about to get a little political.

I live in Arizona, a hot desert of a state that borders Mexico.  There has been a lot of hysteria in the media lately about illegal immigrants making their way across the border and making a living (barely) doing day labor jobs in the united states.  They pick fruit, they clean toilets, they landscape yards and paint houses for a few dollars a day so that they can save money and help their family have a better life.  They are a humble and community oriented people.  They are also very religious and heart felt. 

I have never seen a homeless Mexican begging for money on the street.  The Mexican people work, and work hard.  I think that a lot of people are afraid of the illegal aliens in our country because most illegals don’t speak English and we can’t figure out what they seem to be so happy about.  It’s a fear born out of ignorance.

Now, I know the other side of the argument, that there are drug dealers and gang members.  There are a lot of American drug dealers and gang members too.  The few that are depicted in the 10:00 evening news are not an accurate sample of the migrant workers who want to stay below the radar and just pick our fruit for us.

I know my readers are wondering why I am taking the time to say all of this.  It is because everyday I walk my dogs and see a group of non-English speaking landscapers when I pass through the park.  Each day I wave to them, and each day they smile and wave back at me. 

This morning one of them approached me.  In Spanish, he told me his name is Antonio.  Antonio is probably in his forties.  He had on a t-shirt with the landscaping company’s logo on it, but other than that his clothing was very tattered.  A few of his teeth were missing but he smiled widely at me and tried to communicate with me.  Between the small bit of English he knew and the even smaller bit of Spanish I knew, Antonio managed to tell me that he has seen me walk my dogs every day.  He noticed recently that I lost my hair and must be sick.  He told me he loved me and that he and the other landscapers pray for me every day.

Then, Antonio squeezed my hand and went back to work.  This kindness, I will never forget.

6 Responses to “The Kindness of Strangers”

1. cathy livingston Says:
   June 11th, 2008 at 3:23 pm

   Karen,

   So nice to see your posting. I always enjoy reading your entries from your journal. You always have something positive to say and never complain about the challenges you have been faced with. You amaze me with the strength that you display and your care & concern for others. You are a true fighter no wonder your website is “fighting-breast-cancer”. You are a true fighter that never gives up. Keep your positive attitude! I believe in you and always have. You are in prayers daily. Love Ya! Your Cousin, Cathy

2. renee73 Says:
   June 12th, 2008 at 1:58 pm

   Hi Karen,

   I’ve been reading your blog now for about a year now. Glad to see you are posting again. Love your words of wisdom and strength. Reading your post today brought tears to my eyes. What an absolutely kind gesture. Thanks for sharing your story.

   Hugs,
   Renee

3. jobi75 Says:
   August 6th, 2008 at 11:34 pm

   Karen,
   I was pleasantly surprised to read your last blog. I stumbled upon your blog earlier this year when one of my best friends was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. I sat and read your whole blog that entire evening. To be honest I was so disturbed by what you went through, but as the time went on I felt better in knowing all the things that she would be going through. Thanks for posting your experiences, it has truly helped. I am also glad that you posted again, as i kept checking up on your progress. Your strength, as hers is inspiring. Please do not give up! Always believe and you will get through it!
   As for the immigrant workers story.. I was so touched by it! I agreed with everything you said, and I only wish the rest of the country would help and welcome the hard working and tired, much as most americans were when they themselves immigrated to this country years and years ago. And while there is good and bad in everyone we are all human beings and deserve a chance to live a better life. I can only picture him saying those kind words to you…it brings tears to my eyes!
   May you too live a better and healthier life. I do hope you are not sick again..but if you are hang on!!! The world needs more people like you

   thank you,
   Joanna

4. jobi75 Says:
   August 6th, 2008 at 11:38 pm

   .

5. horsepower280 Says:
   August 7th, 2008 at 12:45 pm

   Hello Karen,
   My daughter who is 44 has just been diagnosed with breast cancer and had both breast removed. She is now waiting for reconstruction and then she’ll start chemo. I wanted to thank you for going to the trouble to put all this on a blog because I have learned more from your site than any others I’ve visited. I’ve laughed, cried, laughed some more but I’ve learned an awful lot about what she’ll be going through in the month ahead (Red Devil chemo). Thank you love for sharing that with the world and educating the ones who have never been through it.. I’ll have to work this weekend because I’ve spent ALL DAY reading this… I just couldn’t stop!!! I love your attitude, the fight and will to keep going on. God Bless You and thanks again for sharing the good, bad and the ugly.

   Mary

   PS: Your family seems wonderful too!

6. cgg61 Says:
   August 13th, 2008 at 12:15 pm

   Sweet Karen,
   With your infectious smile and contagious laugh, you easily make friends wherever you go. Being your friend, I’ve witnessed this to be true on many occasions. Whether it was at a Blackjack table (what memories), at a restaurant in Sedona or, my favorite place, that rinky dink dive of a bar you dragged me to (twice no doubt…because once wasn’t enough) where we signed a dollar bill “Thelma & Louise” and hung it on their wall of money, YOU made friends at every single place. What amazes me is that I know there were days you did not feel well, but you courageously carried on and NEVER complained - not once! I LOVE your sense of humor, I have so much ADMIRATION for you and your strength is a true INSPIRATION to the many women who face the daily challenges of this awful illness. How fortunate they are to read about your experiences and know they are not alone.

   So, the fact that you made another friend while walking your dogs is no surprise, it’s just YOU doing what you do best!

   I LOVE YOU with all my heart and I’ll see you on the 23rd!

   Your Gambling Buddy, Rosemarie

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