February 22, 2009
I am not sure that words can sufficiently capture what I think of you as a massage therapist and Chinese Medical Practitioner, but I hope that this letter in some small way conveys to you just how much you mean to me.
There are massage therapist galore these days, and many of them are good and even therapeutic in their massage techniques. But they are not master at their craft. You are a master craftswoman when it comes to massage! I liken it to a master craftsman, who spends so much time and energy passionately working on his creation, that by the end he knows it more intimately than anyone else ever will. Well, you do that with massage. You spend the time getting to know the person who you are working on – more than simply analyzing them for a clinical perspective, evaluating what is currently causing them pain or where their muscles may be tender. You take the time to learn about them – their likes and dislikes, their passions, what makes them ‘tick.’ And then you take that whole picture of them (the clinical and the personal information) and you utilize it in a healthy, productive and proactive way to help their bodies respond to your touch.
When we met years ago you were recommended to me by one of my oncology nurses at Mayo Clinic. I was pretty beaten up (mentally, emotionally and yes, physically) coming out of the cancer, and I certainly never wanted to return to that condition again. You gently, yet firmly, walked along with me, as only a true friend would do, on my road to recovery and health, and for that I am eternally grateful to you. You patiently answered my many skeptical questions. You took the time to teach me about nutrition and my body in ways that I had not previously been exposed. You remained focused on my ultimate goal – my overall health and well-being. But most importantly, you became my friend, my sister.
Although we now live at separate ends of the country, you continue to walk this journey with me, and I so appreciate your continued friendship. I am so grateful and thankful that you willingly use the talents and energy God has clearly gifted you with to help and serve others in this much need area. Every cancer patient needs to be treated by you! Thank you – for everything. You’ve spoiled me – and I love it! I keep telling everyone I know about the healing benefits of massage therapy and Chinese medicine…and most especially about you! I think everyone should travel as far as they need to in order to experience you and your wonderful touch and love – and I’d be happy to tell them personally if I could!
[Name removed to protect privacy]
