Recently a friend from about twenty years ago contacted me and in our e-mails mentioned a book study she was doing: the time keeper by Mitch Albom (Tuesdays with Morrie). It is a fable about Father TIme and his encounter with a troubled teen girl and a dying billionaire…and his own mission. Think of all the phrases we use that have ‘time’ in them. Once there was no word for it at all… because no one was counting. Then came Dor. This is a story about the meaning of time. 
Of not having enough. Of time running out. Of being faced with the question of what we do with the time we have, whether we try to manipulate it or to live it out through awareness and appreciation of ‘what is.’ I have read it twice in the past several days! I am SO grateful to Kaye for mentioning this book! So many meaningful pieces of wisdom within. I challenge you to ‘pass time’ with this unusual fable.
Now – to illustrate how books and cartoons and odds and ends drop off of shelves at the ‘right time’ – – – here is the cartoon that I had found and set aside a week ago, but feeling it might be too maudlin, deferred including it. Now I am comfortable with it. You have all heard me moan about my files, boxes and “stuff” at the PA house as well as here… and then came the book … and an hourglass is a central feature of the story…. so please enjoy all that this represents in your life and mine!! 🙂
Since I last notated my medical situation I have seen the pulmonologist. It seems that he agreed with the oncologist that radiation was preferred to chemo, for a reason that had not been put forward to me before: my mobility! It seems that my spine is considerably worse and the danger of becoming immobile is more of a concern than my lungs. Good heavens! Loss of mobility is almost as bad as loss of speech! So I ate humble pie and contacted the oncologist with a mea culpa and my willingness to do whatever he recommended. Yes, letting go of control…. as though I had any to begin with! Today I learned that I will have one more treatment of the chemo (Taxotere) on Feb. 4, then two weeks later the scans of spine and lung, after which we will discern which path to take. I also meet with him next Tuesday. I can wrap myself in sack cloth and ashes in his presence as he grins at my self-determination.
I confess that I am having difficulty with the coughing and chest/belly pain from it all. I was put on more opiates (rather than Tylenol), as the pulmonologist feels that they will ease the panicky feeling of breathlessness and the reflexive reaction of coughing. I check in with him in the morning.
My support system is well in place … Karen was here today to help and chat. Shalem folk are “filling in the blanks” from my negligence or dalliance! And many friends and groups inquire and include me on a regular basis. I am most grateful for all this personal care.
Leaving you with a Celtic prayer sent by a fellow pilgrim to Iona in 2007. Ancient, yet modern, using native American directions, and invoking Shalom for individuals and the world.
Sevenfold Blessings for Those Who Are Sick
First – from the east – a rising good fortune,
Second – from the west – a waning of worry.
Third – from the north – a cooling of fever.
Fourth – from the south – a soothing breeze.
Fifth – from the Father – a house secure.
Sixth – from the Spirit – a full breathing.
Seventh – from the Son – a healing touch.
Jesus, keeper of all our days,
Bring your healing touch.
Cast out illness, restore health.
Saint Brigid and Saint Patrick, be near;
Bless doctors, nurses, and caretakers.
From east, west, north, south, send new life –
O God, send your Shalom on the seventh day.
Blessings on our hurting world….
Ann's Hummingbird
‘Jesus, keeper of all our days, bring your healing touch….O God send your Shalom on the seventh day.’
Amen and amen…physical, emotional, spiritual healing for us all!
Thanks for this prayer, Ann.
Sending prayers your way as you continue your conversation with God about what’s next!
You are amazing. God has his hand on the small of your back.
I have requested “The Time Keeper” from the library, and hope to read it next week. Your Hummingbird helps me pray for you—you are always in the back of my mind and heart. So grateful for your support system—your openness and willingness to be vulnerable has made it possible. We are all learning through you. Many blessings. Much Love.
Dear Ann,
Have been reading Mitch Albom’s
“the first phone call from heaven” also.
And today read Anne Shotwell’s e-mail. Do so like her writings.
With the sun out… plus knowing several folks in your prayer circle I am honored to Be in that circle of Love also . A healing circle.
Remember Jerry May had us feel our fingers tingle for lack of a better word … after a contemplative prayer time. He’s certainly in your circle. May love penetrate deeply into the heart of you.
P.S. It scared me the first time I felt the tingling fingers. He simply told me I was scared when I related that to him. Good advice. (Didn’t savor that right away.)
Love,
Phyl
Dearest Ann,
How very happy we all were this afternoon to see you drive up and join Peer Group!!!
You really made my day!!! I do hope you did not tire yourself to the point of exhaustion.
You were a real “light” and cause for joy.
Continued prayers for God’s grace and mercy as you navigate through this phase of your journey.
Love,
Maureen
As always, I’m so glad to hear from you w/your inspiring and informative updates — and sorry to hear that not all news is “good news.” However, I know that u keep moving forward w/whatever will help to keep u going w/minimal suffering and improve your health and lifestyle… I just read “The First Phone Call from Heaven,” and have read all of M. Albom’s books except the one about “time.” Since I’m a foolish “timekeeper,” I should definitely get this one… Blessings and prayers coming your way… much luv, Jan
Dearest Ann, Thanks for your thoughts about The Time Keeper. I’ll be reading it. The cartoon reminded me of all the stuff I need to deal with and will never have the time for. Surely we all have these feelings.
Continued prayers for my dear friend. And THANKS for the hummingbird.
With love,
Allison
Thank you for your message and the Celtic prayer. It is very clear to me that the existential now is very real and precious to you. We continue to remember you in our prayers. God bless you.
Love,
Tom
Dear Ann
Thank you for recommending ‘the Timekeeper’. Your last email came through the day before we started a weeks leave from work and so having not had the TIME to sit and read a book for the last 6 months it seemed an appropriate one to take away to Austria. What a beautiful book!! Thank you for sharing it with us. David is now reading it too.
The sun is fantastically bright reflecting on the snow this morning, the towering peaks of the Alps are breathtaking and inspiring. We are going out on the snow this morning marvelling at the beauty and radiance of it all.
I will be thinking of you , hoping that your breathing and pain are eased today .
Sending our
love and thanks for all you share with us.
With love
Elizabeth
Thanks Ann for your beautiful review of the Timekeeper. So glad I mentioned it and it was the right time for you. I just returned from two weeks in Florida and missed most of the snow on the Outer Banks. Had enough left on my deck when I returned Friday to make a snowman. Didn’t get to my computer until tonight to read your blog. I thought you would like the book. So sorry you are in pain, that’s a real bummer. Hope the new medicine will keep you comfortable. I know you have the will and determination to do what it takes to keep on keeping on! Love you, Kaye