The Kindness of Strangers
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 (in the United States). When they are broke, they hang out in front of Home Depot and try to find “daily labor.” 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 write 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.
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
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
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
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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!
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
Wow. This entry just brought me to tears.
I just started reading the archives of your blog and I have to say how much I admire your courage but more more importantly your honesty in sharing this struggle. Thank you.
Karen,
It is a gorgeous day in San Diego, 75 degrees, sunny, light breeze and all of it…but despite these first rate weather conditions, I spent the the last 4 hours indoors reading your entire blog from start to finish, or at least to the latest entry. I am inspired by your courage, amazed by your stamina, and completely bowled over by your accute sense of wit and humour throughout your experiences. I really think you should carry this blog into a book. People NEED to read it, whether they are battling cancer, dealing with the anxiety of a diagnosis, or supporting a friend or family member. I will be looking for you on Oprah, Ellen and the like. Really Karen, I will keep reading, and if you publish, I will be one of the first in line to have my book signed.
Keep writing, and thank you for sharing,
Jen
What beautiful story! It is true that people can be so compassionate and kind that it is absolutely stunning in its scope. I also am battling stage IV breast cancer – just learned about it this past April – and am finding my way through this perilous time with the help of great family and friends, and deep faith in God. I have said a prayer for you and will be following your blog with great interest. Take care.
Blessings,
Lori
http://www.lorimoon.com
Not sure if the sad news is somewhere on this site, but I found Karen’s blog via the youngsurvival.org website (for young women with breast cancer – yes, I too am a member of that “club”, sadly), where it was noted that Karen passed away in August of 2008. Here’s a lovely tribute to her on another site: http://activerain.com/blogsview/657929/Karen-George-Goodbye-to
I too am heartbroken at the news. I never knew Karen, but felt like I had, in some small way, from reading her blog. Karen, you are missed by people you touched even though you never techically “met” them. My thoughts and prayers are with Karen’s family…..
I just want to say i found your post over a yr ago and can not say how amazed i am by you. You are so funny and you just writte so well. But please can you send an update. its been so long. Im worried.
Elesha
Though I didn’t know her, I too was a reader of Karen’s blog, found it through a breast cancer site for younger women (yes, I have cancer as well) – and was saddened to hear that she passed away last August. Here’s some info from her husband, on their real estate blog: activerain.com/blogs/azmortgagelady
So sad, what a great loss.
Such an inspiration to so many. Rest in peace, Karen…..
I, too, am sorry to hear of the loss of this woman. Very sorry to hear it. I just learned that my sister has Level 3?? Breast cancer. I learned today. Hearing this lady’s journey was helpful and uplifting. I didn’t expect to hear she passed. The same as I didn’t expect to hear that my sister’s test was positive. Please, pray for us.
God bless all that enter this site.
What I would like to say is ……Karen is very much alive in the hearts and minds of the many people(s) lives she continues to touch even today. She is …..still being read by so many who she continues to help……ME. I had not known of her passing and wrote her only to hear from others she has gone through onto Heaven’s Gate. What an angel !
This is such a “blessing” to have this gifted writer be able to have written her personal journey and share it with others. She continues to give the gift by continuing to ‘give’ of herself, her wit, her courage and her fight.
I hope we will be able to continue to access Karen’s blog as this website as it has helped immeasurably many and continues to be so helpful even today. God Bless the Family who lost their angel ….they will meet again. Love and Prayers.