On the road again--spring is almost over so we are deep into vacation planning. The first trip will be at the end of June. We will spend 5 days in Madison County, NC, with Habitat for Humanity, and then head "West" into to Tennessee and Kentucky. More to come on that trip.
But we have also scheduled a trip out to Cripple Creek to see Missie and Jeff and add some more Colorado country to our list of places we have seen before we died.
This time we are heading up to see more mining country and taking in Leadville, Aspen, and Glenwood. We just finished our reservations for lodgings, and this trip will be a mix of unique places.
In the Creek, we will be staying at the Hospitality House, the former county hospital. At the moment, Missie has us slated for the Operating Room. I hope the ghosts of patients lost don't keep us up. In Leadville, we will be at a small chain hotel for variety. In Aspen we will be in the downtown, near the ski lift, where we got Summer rates. Then it is on to Glenwood Springs. We will be staying at a B&B outside town: http://www.fourmilecreek.com/
Then it is back to "The Creek" to celebrate my birthday and head home in time to start teaming for Md. 98.
In the meantime we'll just go around whistling Going up Cripple Creek.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Friday, May 15, 2009
Reaching Back
May 1st is the date I use for marking my cancer survival. The doctor uses Dec. 20, but for those of us who have been through the journey. Surgery is the marker.
When I was diagnosed with BC, numerous women reached back to help me make the journey. MaryAnn Romano, Blanch LaCroix, and Betty Tussing were stalwarts. They taught much about questioning, living, and laughing.
When I was past my treatments, I too reached back to help others starting the journey. One of the most special women was Arleen Bryan. We wrote to each other as sisters, because indeed her sister Jo is my sister. I only met Arleen once in person. We had a fabulous day on a NC mountain top. The last thing Arleen said to me was "We're going to make it." Unfortunately Arleen did not make it. But we shared a bond that goes deeper than just fellow travelers; we were sisters and we strengthened each other.
Over the years, I have reached back to numerous women; most without names. We could share our fears, our frustrations, our tears, and our unflagging hope.
I am now 17 years out, and my reaching back has changed. I did not have the same treatments that women today are getting. My treatment almost killed me and it has left my immune system impaired [not debilitatingly so, just annoyingly so].
But cancer patients still lose their hair, they still throw up, and they still get treatments canceled. So not all our ties are gone. They still fear, question, and hope.
I have discovered that I am now an "inspiration", not because I am a super hero, but because I am 17 years out. And to someone who is worrying if she will make it one year or five years out, 17 years is a beacon. Although I never take a day for granted, I have become a bit blase about being a long-termer. God has given me a new way to reach back.
I hate welcoming women to the sisterhood of BC, but it is a strong sisterhood filled with many women who reach back. I am honored to be part of that long chain of love.
When I was diagnosed with BC, numerous women reached back to help me make the journey. MaryAnn Romano, Blanch LaCroix, and Betty Tussing were stalwarts. They taught much about questioning, living, and laughing.
When I was past my treatments, I too reached back to help others starting the journey. One of the most special women was Arleen Bryan. We wrote to each other as sisters, because indeed her sister Jo is my sister. I only met Arleen once in person. We had a fabulous day on a NC mountain top. The last thing Arleen said to me was "We're going to make it." Unfortunately Arleen did not make it. But we shared a bond that goes deeper than just fellow travelers; we were sisters and we strengthened each other.
Over the years, I have reached back to numerous women; most without names. We could share our fears, our frustrations, our tears, and our unflagging hope.
I am now 17 years out, and my reaching back has changed. I did not have the same treatments that women today are getting. My treatment almost killed me and it has left my immune system impaired [not debilitatingly so, just annoyingly so].
But cancer patients still lose their hair, they still throw up, and they still get treatments canceled. So not all our ties are gone. They still fear, question, and hope.
I have discovered that I am now an "inspiration", not because I am a super hero, but because I am 17 years out. And to someone who is worrying if she will make it one year or five years out, 17 years is a beacon. Although I never take a day for granted, I have become a bit blase about being a long-termer. God has given me a new way to reach back.
I hate welcoming women to the sisterhood of BC, but it is a strong sisterhood filled with many women who reach back. I am honored to be part of that long chain of love.
Older Generation
">Reflections on Leaving Burbank, CA, April 8, 2009
On further reflection, this older generation thing has lots of consequences.
I regularly find myself wanting to ask Mom and Dad questions that only they could answer. If I don't make an effort to tell more stories and record more stories, Jack's generation will not know them and will not have a way to ask about them.
Andrew made a point to ask me lots of questions about my growing up. I am his connection to the 50s and 60s, and stuff that I took for granted [and still do] is history for him.
What kind of wisdom do I want to pass on to my children and grandchildren? For I have realized that I am wise in many ways.
How can I pass my faith on to my children and grandchildren? How can I help them to understand and choose to walk in faith and love depending on our saviour Jesus Christ? Just taking them to church and Sunday School is/was not enough.
Much to pray and think about. For I am the older generation now.
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