To the Joyful Ones
Letters to my patients, day 15
To the joyful ones — we’re onto you.
Finally, your secret is out. Not that you purposefully concealed it, but our hearts had to discover this truth for ourselves.
Joy is not a destination. Joy is not an elusive reality that we cannot attain. Joy is not to be confined amidst our expectations. Joy is something else entirely.
Joy does not arrive with a fanfare
on a red carpet strewn
with flowers of a perfect life
joy sneaks in
as you pour a cup of coffee
watching the sunlight
hit your favorite tree, just right
and you usher joy away
because you are not ready for her
your house is not as it should be
for such a distinguished guest
but joy cares nothing for your messy home
or your bank-balance, or your waistline, you see
joy is supposed to slither through
the cracks of your imperfect life
that’s how joy works
you cannot truly invite her
you can only be ready when she appears
and hug her with meaning
because in this very moment
joy chose you
Joy Chose You
Joy chooses us.
When your circumstances appear inhospitable, joy will still come.
When your life is not following the path you expected, joy still walks beside you.
When your world is crumbling, joy finds pockets of time to exist in.
When your heart is heavy, joy sits with you, in silent reassurance.
And when you take a moment to look up, you will see her.
It is up to us to recognize our dear friend, to open our arms in a welcoming embrace, and bask in the soft glow of her presence.
Because the more you appreciate her, the more joy comes back.
When you think joy has forgotten you, take what you need:
Joy is a steaming cup of your favorite coffee.
Joy is a comfortable blanket wrapped around you during a chemo session.
Joy is your favorite nurse who knows you as a person, not just a patient.
Joy is your granddaughter’s drawings that are new every week.
Joy is taking one less medication, one less pill.
Joy is a stable restaging scan.
Joy is finding a food that still tastes good.
Joy is a parking place close to the clinic.
Joy is present, especially in the little things.
Thank you for being here,
Credit to
for his enjoyable reading of this wonderful poemThis is part of a 31-day series of letters to my patients — those undergoing a work-up, diagnosis, or treatment for cancer. Topics are also focused on those caregiving and supporting individuals affected by cancer. This is not an easy journey, but you do not have to do it alone.
Oh how this made me cry, so true, thank you 🤍