Afton
Nelson County, VA
Back in August we told you about Robert Ballard’s fight against cancer. Robert is a noted musician and a member of The Central Virginia Blues Society. Back in our August story he was halfway through his chemotherapy treatment. Today he continues his comeback.
The old gymnasium at RVCC was packed with people showing up to help out with expense incurred as a result of Robert’s treatment and inability to work during the treatment.
The evening was one of fun and emotion as Robert took to the stage and thanked everyone for what they’ve done in supporting him in his battle.
“Hi, my name is Robert Ballard and I am on the road to being a cancer survivor.
I am so grateful to be here with you tonight-thank you!
Our good friend Gerry Bernard, recently loaned Susan and I a book titled Broken Open It is a collection of stories about people going through tough, life changing situations and how difficult times can help us to grow. In each case, there is a pattern of loss, discovery and renewal that exactly reflects my own recent experience. There are many analogies for this, such as the butterfly and its cocoon or the phoenix bird that rises from the flames and ashes.
The title, Broken Open, makes me think of an egg, cracked and spilled into a bowl where you can see what is inside. In my case, I found my bare soul. Here were my connections to everything and everyone. It was here that I was able to come to peace with it all and accept whatever was going to happen.”
You can read all of Robert’s remarks to the crowd here on the Beats For Ballard Facebook page.
