There was a new nurse today at my doctor’s office.
She was young and eager to please.
She had trouble taking my blood pressure.
I didn’t mind, but she was flustered.
She succeeded the second time.
She was pleased, then puzzled and then upset to see me in tears…
Of course, it had nothing to do with her…
It’s just that she was young. Continue reading “An Encounter”
“When you are in the midst of a fog and can’t see the shoreline, you need a compass. Reach out to a trusted friend or adviser for perspective. People are not hard-wired to go it alone. They need others to survive and thrive.” — Edward T. Creagan, M.D. Mayo Clinic
I am fighting the fog that has descended ever since my daughter-in-law entered hospice care a few days ago.
I am thankful to friends, family and neighbors who are helping me to bear the pain.
I grieve for her stuck down by this terrible disease at such a young age.
I grieve for her husband, my son, as he watches his family torn apart.
I grieve for their toddler who will not have her mother as she grows up.
There will be happiness again one day, but, for now, we are struggling to keep the shore in sight.
With the high cost of cancer treatment, it is important that all of our family pitch in and help!
Today is my granddaughter’s second birthday.
Today is special because it is her birthday.
Today is very special because her mother is alive to celebrate with her. Continue reading “Gratitude”
Out for a walk this morning, my heart is heavy.
My daughter-in-law starts two weeks of brain radiation today. Continue reading “Unexpected Figures”
I feel so helpless. I can’t do anything about my daughter-in-law’s cancer other than pray and be there for her, my son and their toddler. Continue reading “My heart is heavy”
At my annual physical exam, my doctor shared with me the story of a small growth that he had ignored years ago.
He was too busy in medical school to have to have it removed.
Today is my birthday which puts me in a philosophical frame of mind.
I found myself thinking about the tumultuous year that flew by.
So many good things! Life was a joy. My sons and their families were doing great. Continue reading “Musings on my birthday”
The devil is one of my oldest companions.
When I was a lazy child my Mother would scold me,
“The devil finds work for idle hands!”
So, I dutifully skulked off to my room or anywhere out of her sight.
Or, I found something to do. Continue reading “The Devil and Me”
Somewhere along the way I learned that helping others gives me joy.
At no time is this more important than when I am hurting. Continue reading “Joy : Joy”
