Paradox

Many of you you know I have an abiding affection for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). I have been learning from, advocating with, and writing about my dear Congolese family for many years. Congo is a place of deep beauty and tragedy, a people of incredible strength and long suffering. One of the things I love most about my brothers and sisters from the DRC is their keen ability to embrace paradox. They hold suffering in one hand, and joy in the other, and know how to make something beautiful from them both.

There is peace in the paradox of cancer. I have found that behind every worry there is an even bigger wisdom. It’s not an easy lesson, but one well worth embracing. The shadow of death makes the light of life glow brighter. Doubt and faith, suffering and joy, pain and peace, sickness and survival.  “Hard times,” writes Alice Walker, “require furious dancing.” 

Thank you dear ones, for holding this paradox with me as I go into surgery tomorrow, Monday, May 9, at 10 am EST. The Bauman family holds your every prayer, shout or whisper as a gift.

Two surgeons. Six hours of surgery. One pathology report. LOTS of drains and drugs. Eight weeks of healing. Then on to two months of radiation.

Your presence is my peace. 

And please never underestimate your prayers—they are literal strength for the climb in this strange land, my friends. And I could not love you more for each one of them.