The things that matter most

Two weeks ago I was feeling pretty sorry for myself. I felt like the whole world was coming down on me.

And as I got calls and emails and texts from friends offering their support and love, one of those was from Kook.

Readers of my column might remember Kook from my Esom Hill stories.

She and her sister Neeve are the emotional pillars on which our family stands. They’re sandwiched between an older and a younger generation so they seem to take care of both. They take care of all of us. They’re also the ones who fight over who will get to host family get-togethers in Rockmart since Pawpaw’s sweet little run-down house in Esom Hill just isn’t able to host big family holidays anymore.

Kook’s argument for why she should host Christmas and Thanksgiving is because she has the “big table” around which the entire family can sit.

That seemed to be a pretty convincing argument and won her the right to host for several holidays in a row until it was discovered — by Neeve — that Kook’s big table is actually TWO tables pushed together.

And every time we all sit at the big table enjoying Billie Sue’s streak-o-lean or Neeve’s hashbrown casserole or Freda’s turkey, and enjoying each other’s company, Neeve would make it a point to remind everyone that we were, in fact, sitting around two large tables pushed together so basically we were living a lie.

So now, the sisters share hosting duties and generally try to outdo each other at holidays, which is an all-around win for the family.

Kook is also the one I’ve talked about who absolutely cannot say no to an animal (or person) in need. Her love and passion for rescuing critters will surely earn her a place in heaven. It also might earn her a divorce, since I think there are only so many animals her husband can take in before he kicks them all out (including Kook).

But that’s just her nature. Kook has taken in and cared for dogs and cats, horses, donkeys and even children, as well as all manner of woodland critters. She cannot see a living creature in need and simply walk by. She couldn’t live with herself if she did.

So when I got her message saying she was thinking about me and things would get better, I didn’t realize that just a couple days earlier Kook had gotten a devastating diagnosis. A few years ago, she fought breast cancer and kicked its butt. But recently doctors found another cancer dwelling inside her.

My friend Brandy is from Pine Log, Georgia, and doesn’t know the term UNBEKNOWNST TO ME so she says BOUNCE TO ME. Well bounce to me, Kook had just gotten a life-changing diagnosis and here she was trying to make me feel better. Kook got the diagnosis one evening and was up and ready for school the very next day. She’s an educator in Polk County and refused to let down the kids who rely on her.

I’m not ashamed to admit that if I had gotten that diagnosis I would have been curled up in a ball, on the floor, in the dark, crying my eyes out for days. I am not strong.

But Kook is. She is one of the strongest people I have ever known. She refuses to let this disease get the best of her.

So while I was feeling sorry for myself, Kook was comforting me even though she had much MUCH bigger problems. And that put a lot of things into perspective.

What matters most is doing your best and trying to change your tiny little piece of the world. What matters most is loving and caring for those around you. What matters most is laughing and trying to be happy. People like Kook embody all those things. And that’s why this cancer cannot win.

This disease cannot live in the bright light of someone so beautiful and strong and brave. It cannot win. We can’t let it.

I know there are those out there battling right now, just like Kook is.

I know Susan is fighting. I know Charlie is fighting and you probably know someone else too.

Let their battle have a positive effect on you. Let it remind you of the things in life that matter the most — family, friendships, faith, love, laughter and making memories.

And when you send love and support for the Kook in your life, when you offer up prayers for that special person who needs healing, I would certainly appreciate you putting in a kind word for my Kook. She has given so much love to others. It’s the perfect time for some love to come right back. SEVERO AVILA