Face lines.

After the test on Monday, the doctor said I was all clear. I can't explain the feeling - it was relief and hopefulness, yes, but other emotions, too. I go for tests every three months for the first year, so I'm still anxious, but the doctor said there is a very low probability that the cancer will come back. All this is good.

I guess I feel lucky. And just....changed.

The next day I was sitting in my hair salon, and there was a man getting a haircut a couple of chairs over. I heard him talking about his experience with cancer. He was explaining how he recently had a piece of cake, but still couldn't really taste it. Yet, he was so positive, his voice was full of sincerity, happiness. He was saying that the cancer had been a blessing, that it had improved his relationships, his life. I silently felt a connection with him, even though I can't truly imagine what he must have went through, it sounded like he had experienced a long and difficult battle. I looked at his face and could see that he knows how precious life is. I could just see that in the lines on his face in the mirror. And then I felt a peace, and continued to eavesdrop.