Zaxby's

The first time I noticed the Zaxby's sign was shortly after moving to Arkansas. It's a fine sign. The lettering is perfectly bold. Announcing themselves well. Here we are Zaxby's, come eat here. I drove right on by day after day as I got off the freeway and headed home after work. Never giving a second thought about them. Food allergies had cured me of all curiosity. Until on April 6, 2017, Zaxby's became a part of my story. My cancer story.

As I was driving the long curved off-ramp headed home for lunch.  To spend some time with my husband Chris my phone rang. I answered it. Only to hear the voice of the radiologist. The one who performed my biopsy a few days before on my right breast. He was swift to ask if I was driving. "Yes", I answered." I will pull over so we can talk." He didn't' want to give me the results of my biopsy with me driving.  At that moment the first place to pull over was Zaxby's parking lot. I turned the car off. Waited breathlessly for the news that I knew was coming.  "You have breast cancer, and we will be sending you a packet of information to help you. We have sent your information back to your primary care Dr. His office will set up appointments with a new Dr who treats cancer.' And with, that the conversation was done. I was left to sit there as a numb feeling washed over me. Empty.  A hollow empty feeling quickly engulfed me. Not fair raced through my mind. I have just gotten my second half life. A good life. Here I am alone. Once again Alone while learning my diagnosis. This is fair. Why? Why me? No tears came. I slowly started the car and headed home to share the news with Chris. 

As soon as I stepped inside the door I dumped the news on  Chris.  He gathered me up in his arms and held me tight. He softly told me we were going to fight this. We had this. It was going to be fine. It didn't feel fine. Quickly I decided that I was would go back to work.  Not wanting to wallow in self-pity. I pulled myself together. Work was good for my soul. It took my mind off what was happening. 

As I drove back home after work. I looked at the spot where in the Zaxby's parking lot and wondered for the fist time ever, What type of food do they serve? Later I would discover that it was Fried Chicken, of course. 

(me sighing) Chicken and I don't get along. That's a story for another day.