Night Reflections Quotes

“The ivory-billed woodpecker had last been seen in 1944. Hence, all of the major bird experts and bird books declared it extinct. Last year, however, it was rediscovered in a swamp in Arkansas. Birders called it a miracle. The bird is thriving today. Like the ivory-billed woodpecker, most thought you would be 'extinct.' Having this bird in your room symbolizes the miracle we expect for you.”
― Timothy R. Pearson, Night Reflections: A True Story of Friendship, Love, Cancer, and Survival

“Nancy is single-handedly keeping the pharmaceutical industry afloat financially. Luckily, we found the world's largest pillbox to organize a full week's worth of her medicines at a time.”
― Timothy R. Pearson, Night Reflections: A True Story of Friendship, Love, Cancer, and Survival

“When I returned a few minutes later, still dripping beneath my towel from my quick shower, I was expecting Nancy to be savoring her last moments between the sheets. or quietly meditating in the living room. Or gazing out the window to catch a last glimpse of normalcy - the people, trees, and birds she might not view again for an eternity. But no, she was doing none of these things.
Nancy was making the bed.”
― Timothy R. Pearson, Night Reflections: A True Story of Friendship, Love, Cancer, and Survival

“I just don't know what to expect, Winnie. Every day is different. And usually it's awful.”
― Timothy R. Pearson, Night Reflections: A True Story of Friendship, Love, Cancer, and Survival

“It hit me hard today, Winnie. I can't believe I'll have to do this chemotherapy thing again. Three more times. I feel like crap."
What could I possibly say? It had been a bad day for Nancy. The phlebotomist who normally draws Nancy's blood was off, and her replacement "missed" the first two times. She had to stand to have a chest X-ray even though she felt particularly weak. And she had to give three different urine specimens. By late morning, fever and chills were return visitors to Room 842. Nancy had no energy to walk. She even turned down her daily shower, too tired to make another trip to her bathroom.
"You know, Nancy, the day before yesterday, when Chuck and I took our mountain bake ride, we went on a brand new trail in Round Valley. It was really hard for me. But yesterday, we rode the same trail. And it wasn't so bad. Actually it was almost easy. Your treatments will be like that."
Nancy grabbed my hand between both of hers. There were fewer wrinkles on her forehead than moments before. Her eyes speak volumes and I couldn't speak. I didn't need to. For once, I chose the correct words. She smiled, closed her eyes and feel asleep.”
― Timothy R. Pearson, Night Reflections: A True Story of Friendship, Love, Cancer, and Survival

“You know, Dad. Mom has always done everything for me since I was a baby."
Jaret's assessment is accurate. Nancy has helped him with everything from daily living activities to his studies. She has been his chauffeur since Jaret doesn't have a driver's license. Most importantly, she has been his emotional bedrock. She has continuously showered him with the unconditional love necessary to build his self-esteem. But today, he showed the fruits of her years as a Super Mom.
" It's my turn, Dad. I need to learn how to take care of Mom. Tell me what to do.”
― Timothy R. Pearson, Night Reflections: A True Story of Friendship, Love, Cancer, and Survival

“Dr. Winn, Nancy is about as sick as a person can be. I don't know if we will be able to get her into remission." He paused, momentarily looked out the window, and before reengaging, took a quick gasp-like breath that could be heard across the room. "If we can't achieve remission, she won't last the week . . . I am so very sorry."
His definitive words were like the period at the end of the sentence. Final. No, they were worse. They were like the space after the period at the end of a sentence at the end of the paragraph at the end of the essay. Nothing more to add. Nothing more to say.”
― Timothy R. Pearson, Night Reflections: A True Story of Friendship, Love, Cancer, and Survival