Timing is Everything

Sometimes things just happen. We don’t get the chance to prepare ourselves to absorb it or understand it. Sometimes we wait and nothing happens but then it suddenly happens at the least expected moment. Good news, bad news, success, or failure - the truth is that everything happens at the right time.

As I reflect on the past three years, life has been a rollercoaster. At the moment, the timing seemed messed up. But, the truth is – it has been perfect.

A few years ago, Margaret-Ann O’Rourke and I were planning to hike the Camino de Santigo. Then Covid happened and the adventure was sidelined. When conversations started up about possible travel, the pilgrimage was back on the table. But then in March 2021, I was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the neck that had metastasized in my lymph nodes. And, once again the adventure was sidelined.

Days and months have gone by at a dizzying speed, with little time to understand the ups and downs of the rollercoaster ride. From radiation and chemo treatment, voice therapy, re-establishing my business, attending school; working with a fitness coach; and generally trying to adjust to life with what is called an “occult cancer”. PHEW!

The ride would have been impossible without the loving and unconditional support of friends and family. I have been blessed to be surrounded by so many loving people. From my husband Ken Vanlith, to Margaret-Ann O’Rourke, to Blair and Kathy McKeil, to Laura Mainella, to Shaun Padulo, to Olous Boag, Marion Austin, Tara Clapp, Mom, Peter DiBussolo, Annie Vucic, to the many people who said prayers on my behalf, to the many amazing letters and correspondence that shifted my thinking (Tracey Poole and Mike Doody) – my cup runs over.

And now the Camino is back on! Together with three amazing women, we are hiking from France into Spain landing at St. James Cathedral in Santiago de Compostella. Tomorrow, Margaret-Ann O’Rourke, Jacinta Hughes, Kathy McKeil and I leave for Paris.

Good news, bad news, success, or failure - the truth is that everything happens at the right time.