The Best Moment of the Allentown Show . . . for Two Years

I first met them at the Allentown show last year.  Just after the show opened, I saw a woman and her husband walking down the aisle toward our booth.  She was wearing the familiar ball cap of someone who has been battling cancer – I have noticed them so much more since my mom wore hers.  Then I realized they were not just walking toward our booth – they were walking toward me.  She had a message that she wanted me to deliver.

She had just finished chemo.  During the process, she had read the blog posts and pictures that I had posted while Mom was in her shoes three-plus years ago.  I remember asking Mom if I could share what she was going through, wondering if she would allow something so personal – so threatening – to be read by people she didn’t know.  Now this stranger was telling me that my mom’s courage and grace had been an inspiration to her – and she wanted me to thank Mom for her.

Of course, I was happy to do so – I flashed a big smile and told her that I would look forward to seeing her again at the show next year.  As they walked away, I also wiped away a tear as I realized that what I might look forward to doesn’t always come to pass.  But I delivered that message to Mom and we shared a few more tears.

“Next year” was yesterday . . .

Just after the show opened, I saw a woman and her husband walking down the aisle toward our booth.  She was wearing the familiar ball cap of someone who has been battling cancer – but this time there was hair underneath!  And I smiled and said, “You’re back!”

We had a great visit, and remembered the visit last year.  I learned that she had brought her husband to the show last year so he could come and shop for her in case she couldn’t later on.  I am so glad that they were able to come together again this year.

I am a bit embarrassed to admit that I don’t even know her name.  But I am so glad that she is still here – and still fighting – and that Mom and I were able to play a small role in her journey.