Getting a Rhythm

A quiet and gentle day!

We have just had some time with Quaker friends sitting with them in silence – taking the time to enter into/hold onto the fullness of life.

Our days and nights are beginning to take something of a regular shape which, of course, will be totally shifted if and when the chemo begins in a week or so. In the mean time, we are enjoying the occasional short visit from close friends and even beginning to think about times when friends from Ontario might make jaunts down. All this is somewhat time bound by the course of chemo I will have (says she hopefully!). On that score, I am preparing myself for the oncology assessment this Thursday. I continue to eat well and I’m developing more energy by taking daily “walks”. In addition, my bodily functions are beginning to find a more “normal” pattern. It is quite amazing to hear myself wax on and on about the function of bowels.

Being Sunday (and cheap telephone rates), I had a long conversation with my cousin Doris (in England) who is in her late seventies. It was Doris’ mother (Aunt Thirza) who raised me - so we have some early years when we were, essentially, sisters. The distance is hard for Doris so she continues to search for ways to be in touch. Recently, for instance, she sent me a remarkable card painted by one of her granddaughters that included a tea bag and a picture of people at a tea party. In it was a written invitation, “Would you like to come for tea?”

Because I am feeling much stronger, this is the first day we have not had the V.O.N. drop by to take a pulse rate, blood pressure, and listen for “belly” sounds etc. The service is just amazing! How blessed we are that we live in a country where such a wonderful service is free.

You brief calls, e-mails and signs of your care are dearly cherished.

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