You know who you are

A friend of mine recently said, “I feel like I am losing who I am.”

Now this friend also happens to be someone who is living with the side effects of both chemo and now radiation. (Did I mention she has cancer?) The treatments that will save her life are costing her brain cells, and the ability to concentrate.

Her worry implied that who she is losing, is a person who has their shit together. Someone who can calculate stuff in her head. Someone who knows where everything is and is supposed to be; gets it done; takes care of the things that need to be taken care of.

And now she is someone with cancer. Someone who can’t focus on basic stuff, never mind all that other stuff she used to have “down cold”.

None of these things are who you were, or are. They are trappings. Like the colour of your hair, your glasses, the size of your feet… they have absolutely nothing to do with who you are.

I know it’s going to sound weird coming from an atheist…

It is your spirit that makes you who you are.

Your quick wit. Your mischievous eyebrow that lets us know to brace for the wicked thing you are about to say. Your unapologetic willingness to speak the truth you see. Your ability to see the hilarity and irony around you. Your spunk. Your fun. Your absolute zest for life. Your gratitude. Your grace. Your beauty and inner light.

These circumstances that have forced you to let go of those other things hasn't changed who you are. It hasn't changed how we see you. In fact, I can see your spirit clearly, now more than ever.

Authentic. Determined. Indomitable.

We see you.

You know who you are.