I’m trying to piece the days and weeks together! Time seems to speed by way too fast. My good health continues with the exception of some spinal pain, mostly at night.  I believe that it may be due to my walking/standing evening routines where I prance about ‘catching up’ and then am worn out by the time I ‘hit the hay!’  However, minimal medication seems to resolve the problem. Watering eyes and drippy nostrils continue (sounds awful, sorry!) but I’m told it’s the chemo.
A week ago Karen and David held a lovely celebration of my birthday (which was a month earlier). Held here at Greenspring it gave me an opportunity to meet and greet a large number of friends from the various paths my life has taken! So hard to believe… and such a joy!! Karen was the gracious hostess who corralled it all and David did the gallant duty of speaking about his mom. His words were sincere and loving, mixed, of course, with the usual family repertoire of child-rearing tales! Sigh… Those who know me well got their chuckles. He closed by presenting me with a gift of calligraphy by Michael Podesta – from Karen and him. I have been a fan of Michael’s since the 70s and own or have gifted many of his items. (michaelpodesta.com) He showed it and read it … Prayer of St. Therese … a lovely and appropriate prayer for me at this stage in my life’s journey. This is by Therese of Lisieux (not Avila, although some dispute that) …and here it is:
“May today there be peace within. May you trust your highest power that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith. May you use the gifts you have received and pass on the love that has been given you. Let this presence settle into your bones and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise, and love. It is there for each and every one of you.”     SING*DANCE*PRAISE*LOVE
The whole event was an expression of love – from my family as well as from all who attended. To acquaint you with the family here is a pic that shows everyone. On the left is David, his wife Tamara, her two sons, Torsten (14) and Mac (12), and David’s two daughters, Lily (10) and Naomi (8). (Lily and Naomi’s mother died five years ago from metastatic breast cancer.) On the right is Karen with husband Ben Grumbles, and Kate (17) and Daniel (14).  Karen’s family lives in Arlington; David’s in Ashfield, Massachusetts.
What incredible memories. People sharing. One in particular was from Anne Shotwell who was responsible for making all those origami cranes that were on the tables, one for each person. Of possible interest is her poem about her crane making which should add meaning to your ‘souvenir.’ It might even become part of your prayers.

paper cranes

I fold a tiny paper square
until the square becomes a crane
which flutters from my fingertip
and carries heartfelt prayers for you
up to the window where God sits
watching all creation.

God holds out a fingertip
where the paper crane alights
and listens as the silent crane
whispers out my heartfelt prayer
to the very ear of God.

then the folded paper crane
flutters from God’s fingertips
to deliver God’s own grace
to the window where you sit
watching all creation.

so just hold out your fingertip
and let the paper crane alight.
then listen as the silent crane
delivers holy blessings.
hear the folded paper crane
whisper holy blessings.

© 1987/2009  anne shotwell

Last Tuesday I had another chemo treatment along with injections of Xgeva (for bone protection) and B12 (for what gets wiped out by chemo). Blood work continues to come back satisfactorily. Haven’t missed any meals and appetite remains quite good. Saturday I played pickleball and failed to realize that my fatigue walking home to my apartment was due to the chemo, not the pickleball! Always fun, but a hike to get there. I will observe an increase in vim and vigor for the next two weeks as the chemo effects have now peaked and my body is recuperating, preparing for another onslaught!
I took my name off the Sunday bulletin (the “Continuing Care” list) since I’ve been doing so well, but – please don’t take me off your list.  Just use the above phrase from Therese’s prayer… Let this presence settle into your bones and perhaps my spinal pain will respond accordingly!

Thanks to all for your continuing friendship and connections. There is indeed a felt presence that is sustaining.