I must be willing to give up what I am in order to become what I will be – Einstein
Melodie has one last hurdle to the top, once again, metaphorically, to stand at the rim of Kilauea volcano in Hawaii. That was her trek to triumph in 2007. After a bout with Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), or simply an autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system attacks itself, Melodie worked her way back from being paralyzed to standing upright. The disorder followed a minor travelers’ infection from a vacation in Mexico. There’s a long story behind the GBS, her months of rehabilitation, with steps forward and steps back, but that’s for another time. Right now, it’s important to know about the trek to triumph in 2007. It has a direct connection to her strong mindset and her medical challenge today.
It was not of Melodie’s choosing. Her husband Jim, a diehard scientist-type, left-brain thinker, and psychiatrist chose the Big Island for their twenty-fifth anniversary celebration. His intent, so she could stand at the top of Kilauea volcano as a symbol of victory over the obstacles and challenges posed by the disabling GBS illness. This was to be the start of her new life back into the world.
The half-mile path to the top was rocky, not only with rocks and uneven steps, but cries of protest. She hung onto the walker’s handles for dear life as she stumbled and tripped. The climb to the rim was excruciating and slow. As she moved upwards compassionate people gathered behind her and joined in Jim’s mission to get her to the top. Two strong men, visitors from Sweden took over Jim’s position as pusher and support, and they were relieved in turn by a family of four from Seattle. As she moved closer to the rim, the procession of helpful strangers cheered her on, and willed her to the top. In the remarkable, assisted climb, Melodie alternately cried out, “I can’t do this,” and then laughed hysterically.
When the procession finally reached the rim, Melodie sat quietly on the walker’s seat for a few minutes to catch her breath. She stood up on wobbly legs, and supported by Jim, she walked the few steps to the rim of the volcano. This was a moment of major change in her life. She leaned over the guardrail, looked straight into the fiery center of Kilauea, spread her arms out, and with force and perfect pitch sang “Amazing Grace.”
It reverberated around the volcano, creating an emotional revival among the crowd. They joined in song; they clapped, laughed and hugged her in celebration. It was a moment of great power, a moment that connected her with life again.
Melodie has this one last hurdle to the top, but this time the trek to triumph in 2015 is on flat ground here at home. She’s in the long chemotherapy treatment process for cancer. She has ups and downs, long stays in the hospital and many days in the infusion center. Jim is still her pusher and supporter, and she still sings “Amazing Grace” in her mind everyday. But she needs an emotional revival among the crowd, to join in song, clap, laugh, hug her to wellness, and connect her back with life again.
Please, faithful follower friends, be Melodie’s “crowd.”
Thank you!!!
Before Sundown 
So inspiring! 💖
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Thank you so much, Colleen.
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I believe she will triumph! I know what she is going through as I battled cancer in 2010. I’m doing well 5 years out, but I did sustain a lot of nerve damage from the chemo which is till bothersome, but as my doctor liked to remind me “it’s better than the alternative!”
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Thank you so much, Colleen!
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Timothy, thank you for your comment. I’ve told Melodie about your successful battle with cancer, and it helped her to be positive. She’s a fighter, but some days are dreadful to endure the Chemo side effects. Your sunset photos on the Welcome Page have been peaceful for her. Thank you!
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I’ll be part of her crowd and sing Amazing Grace with her. I have faith that she’ll overcome this.
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Thank you so much for being in the crowd. She’s a strong woman & will fight this.
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Go Melodie! You can do this!
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Jodi, thank you! Melodie will hear you cheering for her.
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You took this idea of adversity to a whole another level not the physical but mental too. Great piece
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Thank you Sheldon for your thoughtful comment. The mind does matter as much as the body. Maybe more at times.
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If the mind is willing the body will follow
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Such a courageous lady. Just goes to show that you should not allow anything to stop you doing what you really want to do and achieve.
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Hugh, thank you for reading the post and making a comment. Agree, nothing should hold you back from achieving what you want do. Positive thinking goes a long way. Christine
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I took a friend of mine to Yosemite and pushed her all over the park – it was hard but worth the effort – she passed a month later. Beautiful post and brought back such memories and a tear or two.
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Jan, you were an incredible, loving friend. And your friend’s memory and your day at Yosemite will be with you forever. Thank you for visiting and making a comment. Christine
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This is a lovely read, Christine. I’m sorry i didn’t see it sooner. Wishing you a thriving Thursday. Huge hugs. 🙂
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Thank you so much, Teagan, for reading and commenting on this post. A Happy Thursday to you! Spring is on its way!!! Christine
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LOL, I hope so. It was about 40 degrees this afternoon… but I know spring is here because the pollen is already crazy! 😀
Achoo!
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That’s for coming by and visiting
As always Sheldon
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You are so welcome Sheldon! Thank you for your visit too! Christine
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