Dear Mr. Bublé, A couple of winters ago, it was late at night and I was laying wide awake in my bed. It had been a hard day because it felt like cancer was claiming a victory over everything. Treatment felt like it would never end, my friends were leading normal lives at college and it felt like my normal life would never resume. Cancer had become my new normal and there was nothing I could do. Often on nights when I have a lot of thoughts/emotions whirling in my head, I listen to music before I slip into sleep. On this night, the light from my iPad was the only illumination in my room as I scrolled through a Spotify playlist I had found called "Down in the Dumps." Suddenly, your song "Lost" appeared on the screen. This word instantly resonated with me. I saw your name below the title and immediately my heart became hopeful. I tapped play and snuggled deeper under my covers. As the music started, I felt chills down my spine. By the end of the first chorus, there were tears on my pillow. It is hard to fully describe, but I felt like the pieces of my heart were coming back together. Your words encompassed my struggles perfectly and suddenly I didn't feel so alone. I know we have never met, but I want you to know how much your words and music has meant to me. On days when I didn't have chemo and I felt like I had strength and courage, I would fill the empty house with "Feeling Good" and dance around, smiling through it all. Today, I go to the gym on campus and blast that same song, smiling at the sudden strength it seems to give my body as I feel more powerful than I ever have before. I listen to "Everything," dreaming about the day I find someone to spend the rest of my life with because I have so much hope for my future. I have so much hope after making it through a dark time, and your music helps get me through. This week, I was heartbroken to read the news about your son. Having gone through this, it seems to be that much harder to see someone else diagnosed. I extend my deepest sympathies to you, your son, and the rest of your family. You have given me hope through your songs and now I hope to do the same. Cancer is hard because it is something we have no control over. However, I have no doubt that you are surrounded by the best caregivers and support system. Love, I believe, is cancer's deadliest weapon. Love makes you believe there is hope. Love lets you see the light. Love makes you feel like you belong, no matter how broken you feel. With love, you're not lost. wishing you peace - a hopeful survivor when you feel like you're done
2 Comments
Jan Buikema
11/7/2016 05:50:52 am
Beautiful, Bridget! Contact me so we can visit when you are home over Christmas break!
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Nancy Berg
11/7/2016 06:49:26 am
Bridget, I'm so proud of you, your tremendous strength and compassion for others. I hope you're doing better and are having the time of your life at college!
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