I met Bernie Siegel!

This past Saturday, my mom and I went to Sturbridge, MA to participate in a workshop conducted by Bernie Siegel, MD. Bernie is a well known surgeon and author who works with cancer patients on the mind body connection. When I was first diagnosed I knew I needed to approach the situation holistically. I also knew, from helping loved ones with cancer, that Bernie's teachings could help me so I dove into his Love, Medicine & Miracles book to refresh my understanding of his philosophy. It helped me get into the mindset and. E the exceptional patient' - serving as my own advocate while seeking and receiving treatment from various physicians and healthcare providers. His message helped me stand up to the unprofessional staff at a local hospital when I went to have my port surgery (and walked out when treated badly). He helped me understand the power of intention, meditation, and imagery on the healing process.

When I was looking at Bernie's website one day and discovered he would be speaking not far from my folks' house during my visit I immediately bought tickets. I figured it be a huge gathering and there would be little chance of meeting him. I was wrong.

As mom and I approached the doors of the workshop room she spotted Bernie having lunch at his book signing booth where his son was working on book sales. The signing had not begun and nobody else was standing there so we approached so that I could thank him for helping me through this challenging time. He rose to his feet, walked around to my side of the table and gave me a great big hug. I purchased a few more books so that he could sign them for me and we chatted briefly before heading in for the workshop. We learned that Bernie's son runs a store in my mom's town and Bernie conducts a support group there monthly! It was amazing to meet them and now that I know about the group in Simsbury I will plan my next visit to allow me to participate and learn even more from Bernie.

For the workshop Mom and I found seats right up front. Bernie asked me, before he began, what I'd like to hear/learn about and I told him I needed help quieting/turning off the scary thoughts that creep into my mind and replace them with healthier, more positive thoughts. So he used that as an underlying theme and referenced it several times.

I know God put Bernie in Sturbridge when I would be nearby...and cleared the crowd so that I could meet him and get a much needed embrace from this inspirational man that day. I thank Him for this miracle and so many others.

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