Page 26 of Captiva Book Club

“Thanks for the tea talk, Mom. I came to comfort you and help ease any stress you might have. I didn’t know I was the one with the stress. But, you did, didn’t you?”

“I think you’ll agree that a mother knows when her babies are hurting. That feeling never goes away, and I’m glad for it.”

Sarah walked to the top of the stairs, turned to look at her mother, and placed her hand on her heart. She held on to the belief that if love was stronger than anything, her mother was well-protected against this latest health challenge. But, just for extra protection, she’d keep praying for strength, because their family would soon need it.

Maggie received so many well wishes before she and Paolo arrived at the hospital. Chelsea wouldn’t let them get into the car until she hugged Maggie several times, and insisted Maggie call her the minute she knew more.

From the moment they left the Key Lime Garden Inn to walk into the doctor’s office, Maggie’s thoughts were not about her illness, but about the countless others around the world, and certainly across the country, who were about to hear the same devastating news: they had cancer.

Maggie turned to Paolo as they reached the hospital entrance.

“Paolo, why don’t you go for a walk or grab a coffee? It’s crazy for you to sit in the waiting room. I have no idea how long this will take. I’ll text when I’m ready to go home.”

Paolo hesitated. “Are you sure?”

Maggie gave him a reassuring smile. “Yes, I’m sure. I’ll be fine.”

With a reluctant nod, Paolo leaned in to kiss her on the forehead before heading out. Maggie watched him, then took a deep breath and entered the building.

The waiting room was a sea of neutral colors, the hum of quiet conversations, and the rustle of magazine pages filling the air. She checked in at the desk and then found a seat near the window, where she could look out and find distraction below.

As she waited for her name to be called, Maggie’s gaze drifted to a young woman across the room. The woman, about her daughter Lauren’s age, wore a colorful headscarf that covered her hair, and her face was pale, with no eyebrows. Maggie’s heart ached with a pang of recognition—another cancer patient, likely further along in her journey.

Maggie’s attention was caught by a pamphlet on the table beside her It was titled “Women Helping Women: A Breast Cancer Support Network.”

She picked it up and began to read about the volunteer program, where survivors supported others going through treatment.

“That’s a great program,” a soft voice said.

Maggie looked up to see the young woman with the headscarf smiling at her.

“I’m part of it,” she continued. “It’s been such a blessing to give and receive support. It makes a difference.”

Maggie felt a spark of interest. “It sounds wonderful. I hadn’t heard of it before today.”

The woman nodded. “It’s not always well-publicized, but it’s been life-changing for me. If you’re interested, I can tell you more.”

They spoke for a few minutes, the conversation easy and comforting. As Maggie learned more about the program, she felt a growing desire to get involved, to turn her own experience into something positive for others.

Before Maggie’s name was called, the young woman reached into her bag and pulled out a business card.

“Here’s my contact information. If you decide you want to volunteer or even just talk, give me a call.”

Maggie accepted the card with a smile.

“Thank you, I’ll definitely think about it.”

As she tucked the card into her purse, Maggie felt a sense of purpose beginning to form. Maybe, just maybe, this was a way to find meaning in the midst of uncertainty.

“Mrs. Moretti?” the nurse called out.

“Yes, that’s me.”

Maggie got up to follow the nurse, but first turned to the young woman.

“I’ll be in touch.”

Maggie followed the nurse into the examination room, and after taking her vitals, the nurse left the room.

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