A VISIONARY

I saw you walk down the corridoors of power, the confidence of your voice bringing me to a standstill as it turned heads. Its strange, how your shoulders drew me. Such strength. I wondered whether they would hold me, absorb my tears and lift me up as I struggled alone. The world is harsh and yet, somehow, I know that I shall seek comfort in your arms. I never whispered to anyone of my heart wrenching agony. And yet, when you look at me, your eyes see through me and unveil all my sorrows and I cannot deny this feeling of wanting to cry on your resolute shoulders. Wading through sneers, sniggers, self doubt and contempt, I walk towards my destination. I dreamt of this place all my life. And to give it up is anathema. Should the path of every pilgrim be paved with thorns? Is this the price of worship?Does the kingdom truly belong to those who wear the scourging crown of nettle and thistle?
The pain is excruciating, the journey- a torture. And I stumble ever so often. I close my eyes and feel the touch of your hand on my fevered brow. I know it will be alright. My tears roll down and as you hold them in the palm of your hand, I realize that they were not spent in vain.
I dare not whisper to you what I feel lest you turn your back to me. Oh! To be abandoned by the vision of vigor and determination is to rob me of my will. I would only want to be so wanton and helpless in your arms, not in the embrace of adversity. But even as you contemplete the pages of books, my eyes drink in the sight of you and my lips quiver at the thought of your fingers which innocently trace words.

Disbelief, rage, anger, frustration, numbness…that’s what you would feel if you were told that you have Non Hodgkins Lymphoma, a cancer that begins in the cells of the immune system. That’s what Mindy Krasner felt when her doctor diagnosed her with it. I was fortunate enough to attend a few lectures organized by UFCAHRE- Arts in Healthcare where I met Mindy, a beautiful ballet dancer from Las Vegas.She was diagnosed with Non Hodgkins Lymphoma 2 years ago. The diagnosis shattered her and plunged her into a deep ocean of pain and disbelief. While undergoing chemotherapy at the hospital, Mindy started dancing for all the other patients. Everybody loved her dance and it raised their spirits. They all looked forward to her dancing, each day. The arena where dreadful chemotherapy sessions were held was transformed into a stage for this brave, young woman who danced despite feeling weak and physically exhausted. She resurfaced from her agony and torment , bringing hope to all those who watched her. Her dance inspired everyone( all the cancer patients and the staff) to seek meaning in their lives even when they felt they were approaching the end. Mindy has started her own dance company and wants to dance for children who are hospitalized. She came to attend the lectures so that she could find a way to spearhead her vision. She is still weak and finds it hard to attend all the lectures but her courage is indomitable. I salute the spirit of this valiant woman. I pray that you may bring laughter ,hope and inspiration to the children in Las Vegas.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAsR9Pp7G2A

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TV2hqd2JTcI&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUcKKC9UdWk&feature=related