There is still good in the world. Good in people, and it shows up when you least expect it.
My husband Chad was strong, young, and full of life when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. We knew that kind of cancer can move fast, but his case gave us some hope at first. He had surgery, went through chemo, and for a while, the scans showed no signs of cancer. I really thought we’d beaten it. I let myself believe he was going to be okay.
Diana Register
But then it came back, this time in his liver. From there, it spread quickly. He kept fighting, though. He kept working. He behaved as though life hadn’t shifted at all. It was hard to understand—one day we were dreaming of the future, the next we were just trying to get through the day.
He never missed work. Not once. Even with cancer, even with chemo, even when the pain started. So, when he came home early one day and said he couldn’t handle it anymore, I knew something was really wrong.
Things got worse fast. There was a stroke we didn’t know about, and soon he was in constant pain. We found ourselves rushing to the hospital over and over. He could barely see. He never really complained, but I could tell it was unbearable. Tumors had taken over his body. They were in his bones, in every organ. One was even blocking his intestines. The pain was nonstop like being in labor around the clock.
He didn’t want to go to the hospital. He was scared of dying there. He begged for “ten more minutes” when I said I was calling an ambulance. What started as ten more minutes turned into two full hours. Finally, I made the call.
Diana Register
I was terrified he’d never forgive me.
As the 9-1-1 dispatcher answered, I braced myself. I just needed someone to help. His name was Jeff. And something about his voice told me everything I needed to hear, he understood. He didn’t say much, just “alright.” But it meant everything.
That calm voice helped me breathe. Helped me think. Helped me hold it together. Jeff didn’t save Chad’s life. But he saved me that night.
Diana Register
Now, we’re friends. I even teach a class for dispatchers, using our call to show how simple kindness can change someone’s life. Because of Jeff, I’m better at my job and I believe more than ever that small acts of compassion can make the biggest difference.
If you ever need help, I hope you get someone like Jeff.
