Beyond FINE: Good News about Patry Francis

So many of you have commented on Patry’s Two Ounces of Bliss post at Simply Wait, so I know you’re up to speed on her discussion of her recent cancer diagnosis. For those of you who haven’t seen this note from Patry’s husband, Ted, here’s an update on Patry’s surgery in Boston on Wednesday:

“Hi Everyone:

Our day yesterday started at 3:30 a.m. as we headed into Boston for Patry’s surgery which was scheduled for 6 a.m. It ended with me driving down 193 around 9 p.m. exhausted but ecstatic with how well everything went.

The operation was successful and her surgeon, one of the world’s best, was very happy with what he saw and how she made out. She’s very strong spiritually and physically and hopefully will be coming home soon with a long healing period ahead of her.

Thanks for your prayers,
peace and love,
Ted”

Can I tell you how much I cherish these people, whom I’ve never officially met? If you don’t know Patry, read a few of her archived posts and you’ll immediately glimpse her immense stores of grace, goodwill, and pure gumption. Hell, read this quote from her current post and you’ll see what I mean:

“I couldn’t change the fact that I was ill; I couldn’t make the road ahead pain- or anxiety-free, but I could get out of bed and take the dogs to the beach. I could pick up a common, translucent shell and hold it up to the light until it revealed just how uncommon it was.”

Patry’s a fighter who’s been through tough times before. No wonder so many of her fans and friends feel so strongly about her and can’t wait to hear more good news from Cape Cod. I only hope she understands why we’re all so vocal and emotional about all this: because she’s an ordinary person like us who’s extraordinary in so many ways. She’s not only the translucent shell, she’s the light shining through that illuminates the lives of those who love her, reminding us how uncommon and unique we are, too.