What Would You Do with a Beautiful Day at Kiawah? Coco’s Journey; Chapter 20

by Larry Puls @larrypulsauthor

Ovarian Cancer, Thankfulness, Gratitude

Coco slipped her shoes off, wiggled her toes in the sand and shuffled down the shoreline. It was a breathtaking sunrise. The morning waves rolled in softly against her ankles, splashing at times up to her knees.  She paused and stared out over the mass of water. Glistening rays bounced off the surf as the sun made its way up over the horizon. Standing still in the blissful moment, she noted the pelicans coming in from her right inches above the waterline in perfect formation. And looking down, she saw the shallow waters teaming with small minnow-like fish darting between fresh seashells and wisps of sand.

She was happy to be here. Her breathing seemed easier this morning. And her stamina was clearly improving.

The beach was hers alone, even if for a moment.

The inspirational view and backdrop grew more mesmerizing with each passing second. A feeling of warmth moved through her as thoughts of thankfulness suddenly permeated her head, thankfulness for life, for family, for the morning--even for her cancer journey. She had survived and come through the ordeal spiritually unscathed—and for that she was amazed. As she stood there, she began to wonder whether if she had seen this sunrise at another time in life before her cancer had entered in, would she have relished it as much? She smiled knowing the answer to that question. 

Surviving this trial had changed her perspective on almost everything.

Life had become more precious. Each breath was more satisfying. Every conversation with family or friends had become more important. Up until now, she had at times, wished her life away—waiting for the next big moment, or the next big event. But during the last six months or so, things were clearly different. There had been a paradigm shift in her life, now that she had seen a glimpse of the jaws of death. And that shift made little things take on new meaning. The little things had become big things. The mundane was now actually important.

As her thoughts culminated, it suddenly drove her to praise. Her hands and voice went up, breaking into “Amazing Grace”. Alone, except for God, she sang without reservation. It was important to her that He heard her above the sound of the crashing water. And she worked to make sure He would. She did not look around to see if anyone was close, somehow it didn't matter. What she was doing would never bring her shame. She wanted to worship. The praise spewed forth like the lava from a volcano. Nothing could contain her joy. 

The words and the tunes carried out over the ocean all the way to heaven. He would hear her; she would make sure of that. Maybe He would smile.

Cancer had made her a more thankful soul. 

What Would You Do With a Beautiful Day at Kiawah? Larry Puls; (Click to Tweet)

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Coco's Journey