We felt lucky to see it.
Quite a few years ago my husband, Asher, returned from a social gathering laughing and shaking his head. “I love the way Newfoundlanders always look on the bright side!” he said. He had overheard a story about a man who had an unfortunate accident and lost a limb. After the incident was recounted, the other people in the room chimed in with a chorus of “some lucky.” The storyteller nodded his head, “It could have been so much worse,” he replied solemnly, “Some lucky for sure.”
Asher and I have used this phrase with a twinkle in the years since. One of our kids sprained an ankle? Some lucky. Ruined supper, set off the fire alarm, but managed to put out the fire in the oven? Some lucky. Wrote off the truck in a collision on the overpass? Some lucky.
The outcome of a situation could always be worse, and the people at that long ago party were right. We knew we were fortunate in so many ways, and we often talked of our blessings over morning coffee.
But last week, as I sang “Whatever Will Be, Will Be” and waited patiently for my appointment with the oncologist, part of me was preparing for the worst. As I walked in to the cancer center, I was breathless with fright. I had no idea what Mom and Asher were chatting about while we waited. The air around my ears was dense cotton, and I was doing the deep breathing I had practiced so often with teens in my office, hoping to contain my panic.
The news I received, however, was the best it could be. I had a wonderful nurse with me during the conference and she put me at ease. My doctor was compassionate and kind as she reviewed the results of the pathology from my surgery and prepared me for the next phase of treatment. Asher and Mom were steadfast in their belief that I would be fine, no matter what. I walked out feeling strong and knowing that I could once again imagine myself retired, or even old.
Asher and Mom and I bounced to the van and hopped inside, chuckling and chatting. Through the window the sky and trees beckoned me to come back fully, to return from my safe hiding space, this careful shell I have constructed over the last few months.
From the round expanse of joy in my chest, life came bubbling. The past 42 years – childhood puddles and school days, so many wonderful friends and family, Asher and our babies, the cabin, pets, trips and suppers, studying and writing and reading and working and living. Memories gathered like campfire wood to fuel the fire which would consume the pain and rehabilitation of recent months. Rising from the ashes, plans for the future with a stronger mind and spirit. A body that will, with time, grow strong again.
As Asher navigated the springtime potholes, I grabbed his hand and gushed, “Some lucky.” Mom and Asher concurred.
“Some lucky.”
We said it reverently, without a touch of irony.
A Year of Weather 
Reading your posts is cathartic. We all need a little more positivity in our lives and your grace and true sense of optimism makes this post such a delicious read😋😊🙏
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Oh, Teri, thank you so much for such a supportive comment! I am glad you enjoyed 🙂
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Janine as I read this a huge smile turns on my face because you brought me back to my childhood with the song that my mother would always sing to us as kids. Those words have always rang true to me because we are not entirely in control. With that said your amazing frame of mind and your spirit is the light that will help to bring nothing but peace and strength to you and yours on this journey. I just live reading your blog. God speed my friend.
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Thank-you, Genny, for sharing these beautiful reflections. I am so glad you are enjoying reading my blog 🙂
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Beautiful. ‘Some lucky’ has a special meaning for me now 😊. Thanks for sharing.
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Joanna! Thanks for reading 🙂
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Janine:
Que sera sera!! So true. I am so happy that you received news that lifted your spirit and breathed a new perspective in your life. One second, moment, day, week, month, year, decade at a time. You got this. Some lucky wah!! What will be, will be.
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Thank you, Vicky, for such a thoughtful comment 🙂
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Janine what a wonderful post. In moving west, the one word I tried to remove from my vocabulary was “some” used in the context meaning many or very, as you use it here. I think I will add it back now. I hope you and Asher and family are doing well.
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So nice to hear from you, Mark! Thanks for reading. Hope all is well with you and your family 🙂
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Mrs.Cutting , you are one amazing, strong women. Our Children at EVI are
“ SOME LUCKY “ to have you . So glad you got some good news .
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Thank you so much, Tonia! I am lucky to have them in my life, too. It’s all about the kids!!
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Beautiful Janine… Your words are beautiful, like you. You know I love you for so many reasons. We need you in this world. We need your loving, compassionate and brilliant spirit. You, Asher and your beautiful boys are a gift to all of us who are some lucky to know you. Hugs… And much love
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Thank-you so much, Paula! I am lucky to know you, too ❤️. It is so nice to hear from you. All my love to you and Wally.
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Just love your post 💞
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Beth, Thank-you so much 😊
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From my point of view – we are all “some lucky” to have had you in the lives of so many kids who needed help. I know it was your job, but I also know that you freely opened your doors to my granddaughter and so many other kids who were scared and gave them your calm strength so many times. You have been in our thoughts. Your positive attitude, which I am sure can’t be easy to keep up all the time, is a inspiration to the kids (and us adults) whose lives you have touched. Keep up the fight – we all want you back healthy and strong. Judy
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Thank you, Judy! I love working with kids, you granddaughter included!! Your comments are so wonderful.
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Janine,
You my love are a true inspiration to us the readers of your blog. Your husband is my daughter’s principal and we will pray for you and your family. You got this 🙂 keep writing and we will keep reading and cheering you on ❤
God Bless
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Hi Amanda, thank you so much for your supportive comments! I really appreciate you reading and cheering 🙂
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❤️ thanks for sharing! So well written, so positive, so important for so many to read. Love that NL phrase and love it even more now. 😘
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Thank-you, Jen😊 You are “some nice!”
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Janine,
Loved your post!! So happy for you and your family. You were always
positive in your approach to the parents and children and showed
compassion. Now it’s your turn to have received good news . Take care
the words which I have used quite often over the years now seem to be more meaningful!! Hugs!!!
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Thank-you, Sandra, for reading and for your supportive comments! It means a lot to me😊
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And we are “Some lucky!” to have you in our lives, hopefully for many, many more years to come.
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Yes, I hope we all benefit from health and togetherness from here on!! 💗
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I honestly believe God has a way of redirecting our thoughts so that we dwell on the positive and make light of the negative. Positivity and lighthearted conversations are medicines we all need to ingest. Thank you for sharing your inspiring words…you are a beacon of light for so many Janine!💐👏🙏🥰
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Thank-you, Sandra, for your thoughtful comments. I really enjoyed our chat the other day, and have been reflecting on what you said about compassion. Thanks so much for reading 😊
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Janine;
So happy you’ve received good news! You are a beautiful strong woman who brings so much to so many lives, both young and old! Keep on keepin’ on!
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Thank-you, Margot! We sure do have to keep on truckin’ no matter what life brings. I hope you and your family are well 🙂
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So beautifully written. You, my dear, are a warrior. An inspiration to each person you encounter. “Some lucky” – I will be incorporating this into my life as well.
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Laura, So glad to hear from you. I hope you are enjoying the beautiful spring weather! Thank you again for everything you did for me. I’ve thought of you often 🙂
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A beautiful post, with great news!
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Thanks so much, James 🙂
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Ím “Some Lucky” to know such a wonderful person as you Janine! Take care!
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The feeling is mutual, Marg💗
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It’s great to hear such wonderful news ,been thinking of you ,,glad to hear your doing good Everything will work out I’m sure Take Care ,,all the best
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Thank you, Brenda😊 I hope all is well with you, as well.
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You are an inspiration! I am so happy to see that you are doing well. Keep going and never stop!
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Amanda, you are an inspiration to me, my dear. I’ve been following your journey and sending lots of love. I was at the concert the other night, so beautiful to see you looking so well. Hugs to you 🙂
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Glad to hear you got encouraging news. Stay strong! This is as beautiful a piece of writing as any I’ve read. Touching, inspiring, and creative. You are a talented writer!
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Thank you, Brthanie!! ❤️
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So glad you got encouraging news. Stay strong! This is as beautiful a piece of writing as I’ve seen. Inspirational, well written, creative. You are a talented writer!👏
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Thank you so much, Bethanie!
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