Tuesday, December 9, 2008

The New Normal

In the last post, I wrote about the need for normalcy. I was thinking mostly about being able to do the mundane things in life when we want to do them. But for the most part, I think that Dan and I are pretty much the most normal & grounded people that I know. However, if I take a step back and look at all the things we are busy with, and the things we are accomplishing despite tough circumstances... I am reminded how much we have in our life.

I don't think Dan set out to be an example, but he has found himself in that exact role- for cancer survivors, friends & family. He is a normal person, living his life. And we deal with each other the way normal couples would- we still have spats and are lazy about housework.

So when people say that we are inspiring or giving others hope... I am reminded that there are some things about our life that aren't normal. Some of them are not so fun, such as chemo, side effects and the impact on our schedule. But some are wonderful, such as when you receive a kind note from a friend.

I received this poem this morning from Dan's friend Craig. A reminder that I am marrying someone who is very far from normal :)

Danny’s Song

If there’s strength to be found
He’s gonna reach a higher ground
If there’s love all around

He’ll soak it in


If there’s hearts linked one by one

Then he knows his work ain’t done
Like relentless beams of sun
That refuse to grow dim

It’s all in him
Because Danny will win
Danny will win

If there’s silence in the doubt
He’ll push through, and shout it out
He’s the voice among the crowd
And the spirit within

It’ll never hold him down
Sound the bell, another round
In these worries he could drown
In our love he swims

It’s all in him
Because Danny will win
Danny will win


If there’s life beyond the clouds
It can wait ‘till not right now
There’s a story still unfolding,
Here on earth


There’s so much he has to give
Still his time to fight and live
With a motivation golden
In its worth


If there’s lessons to be learned
Hope and faith are never spurned
In our prayers and our concern
It’s where we begin

That’s it’s all in him
Because Danny will win
Danny will win

Because Danny will win

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

For a good part of my younger life I thought I knew what "normal" was. But then the concept was tested and I don't know what "normal" is anymore. And that's ok. Because the really extraordinary things we discover about ourselves or about others never happens in situations that we would traditionally define as "normal". And who you think might be "normal" probably isn't even close! Live your lives for who you are, for what you want to be, and for the extraordinary things you can inspire in yourselves and in others. That's a whole lot better than normal anyway.
Much love,
stacia

Anonymous said...

As usual, Stacia is spot on! Meg and Dan, your new normal is such a gift and blessing to so many!
XO
LH

Anonymous said...

Thanks Craig. This means a lot. I know sometimes we used to go months without catching up and you always had the green band on which I always noticed and still appreciate. My favorite stanza is this one b/c round after round is tough. I do worry but unlike serge I know how to swim at least with our friends support.

It’ll never hold him down
Sound the bell, another round
In these worries he could drown
In our love he swims

Can I write a song about you? It will probably more towards the Bud Light wing man song...

-DW