Jake Our Buddy

Every morning at 5:00 a.m., I curl up on the couch with a hot mug of coffee, one of my spiritual books and my favorite afghan and I gaze out my front window. Watching nature and enjoying the silence of my home are the two best ways to start my day. At 6:00 a.m., I read a few pages out of my spiritual books for inspiration, followed by forty-five minutes of yoga practice. And I end my routine with pranayama—which is breath control—then meditation. From one of my yoga poses, I saw my neighbor’s eleven years old son, Jake leaving for school. He and his mom, Sandy live directly across the street and I smile as Jake busts a move and boogies towards the bus stop. One afternoon while cutting a clients hair, I tilted my head down and felt an uncomfortable feeling in my throat, it was a weird feeling, like there was a lump, but there wasn’t a lump. As the weeks went by, my sore throat became worse. It was annoying me because I couldn’t ignore it any longer. I decided to make an appointment with my doctor to have it checked out. As I picked up the home phone to call the doctor, I got a text on my cell phone from Sandy. It was about her son. In the group text, she explained that over the past few months they have been taking Jake to see a specialist because he was having issues with his throat and Jake had been diagnosed with thyroid cancer. My heart went out to Sandy and her family. I couldn’t imagine what she was going through. My husband, Rick walked in the room. He couldn’t hold back his tears. He was devastated. “Honey, did you see this text?” He asked. “I saw it Ricky. Are you okay?” The tears flowed down his cheeks. I held him tight and let him cry. Rick and Jake had been close for years. Rick, Jordan and Jake played fetch with our dog, Wilson nearly every weekend. I can’t count how many times I glanced out my front room window and saw Wilson chasing after one of them in the yard. In April, Rick’s father passed away from Pancreatic Cancer. As Rick and I slowly swayed back and forth, I knew Rick was processing his dad’s death as well as Jake’s diagnosis. At this point in his life, the word, ‘cancer’ is toxic to him. Rick composed himself and went back to work. This isn’t the first time I’ve intuitively taken on the illnesses of people I know. In many ways, I’m like a sponge that absorbs other peoples emotions and the issues that come with it. Of course, this is a gift—and a great one at that. However, it takes its toll on me emotionally and physically. Sometimes, my loved ones suffer, as well because it’s difficult to deal with my emotions and our friend who lives across the street simultaneously. But it is part of being Empath. Fortunately, This story ends on a great note. Jake received the proper treatment and he is cancer free! I just saw him at his mailbox. I thought to wave at him but I was overjoyed that this young man who I adore is full of life and smiling with joy. I sat back and enjoyed the moment By Rhonda Brunett

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