Dear family and friends.
The new cocktail began today, leaving Nora exhausted. We will have weekly visits to the Lewis Cancer Center through June. About half way through Nora will have a PET scan to show what’s happened with the tumors. You want to rush through all of this, but there is no rush, no silver bullet.
But maybe I’m wrong, in part. Nora is a silver bullet. The staff seemed to look forward to seeing her this morning. “Nora,” they said in welcome, “Nora.” She may not notice. I notice.
Nurses cannot play favorites. The place is humming with optimism for everyone there. And there are too many, to my sorrow. Some days it is extremely difficult to take. Me, the outsider. Women (mostly women) talking about hair loss, what to wear, the reality of mastectomy, survival. It is a place I never thought I’d be. And I surely never thought Nora would be. Our “plans” (slightly defined and awaiting firmer definition on “the ridge,” the neighborhood where we live) did not include this.
A moment for Regina. She comes to the center every two weeks. She is breast cancer survivor. She brings cookies and other sweets for those going through chemo. She volunteers her time. She brings stories of friends, family, her 90 year old mother in Florida. She shares photos on her iPhone. She might be a couple years senior to Nora, but they act like sisters, if a Southern belle and a New Yorker can be considered kin. They tease as the chemical drips into Nora. They are a team, making everyone laugh. Nora calls her “princess.” She is that.
Nora had a nice visit from our nephew Josh Burleson, beautiful wife Karina, and grand niece and nephew, on their way back from a North Carolina shindig for Cole Edmonson and future wife Betty. I was AWOL on their visit because of a much needed haircut. Vanity, vanity, all is vanity.
Working on Nora’s appetite. Very tricky. Bless the makers (again) for Ensure.
Nora thanks you for your prayers, your thoughts, your understanding. Nora is focused on wellness, on recovery, on getting on. As am I.
HEARTS
She rests a slight smile
on her lips, eyes closed
laptop open to hearts
In almost sleep she has
won her online game
against all odds
An attitude, a position
she stands by
double or nothing.
Keep Nora in your prayers, thoughts, and memories. She’s a tough cookie.
Paul
P.S. We wanted you to meet our newest “pet.” For now, he/she lives under our deck. The dogs do not like him/her.But what a creature!
IT IS WITH A HEART THAT IS HEAVY WITH ANXIOUS AND WORRY ALL
ROLLED INTO ONE CHURNING MASS MOST OF THE DAY THAT YOU,
NORA ,ARE WITH US AND HOPEFULLY US WITH YOU.
IT HAS FASCINATED ME JUST HOW DIFFERENT NOW I VIEW THE TINIEST
FORM OF LIVING THINGS AROUND ME. WATERING MY LITTLE GARDEN
OF NEAR-DO-WELLS THAT I REALIZE WHILE TENDING THEM THROUGH
HOT ,BLISTERING FLORIDA SUN AND SEVERE DRAUGHT, THAT I SO AWARE
OF THEIR VALUE TO ME ,TO ALL OF US IN A HURRIED SOMETIMES UNKIND WORLD. THIS, LIKE YOU, SHOWS ALL OF US THE REAL AND UNDENIABLE
TRUTH TO THE WORDS, “BEAUTY AND GRACE”.
JUST WORDS, AS ALL WORDS ARE JUST WORDS, UNTIL WE LOOK A LITTLE
CLOSER, FOR A LITTLE LONGER.
BEHOLD, THE SIMPLICITY!!!!
THE “WORDS” NOW HAVE CLARITY, MEANING AND SHOW ALL OF US
STANDING BY, LOOKING ON,
WHAT BEAUTY AND GRACE IS COMPOSED OF, WHETHER IT BE MY LITTLE FLOWER GARDEN EVER REACHING UP FOR LIFE, OR BEAUTIFUL NORA
REACHING OUT FOR LIFE.
BEAUTY AND GRACE,,,,,,CHOICES AND COMPASSION BEYOND WORDS,
YOU NORA CARRY US WITH YOU ON THIS JOURNEY,,,,,,,,,,
FEAR, DISCOVERY AND JOY IN LITTLE TRIUMPHS, SMALL ACCOMPLISHMENTS
AND NEW EYES TO SEE WHAT YOU CAN SEE……………
THANKYOU.
SUNNI
Paul and Nora, just looking at your new pet….Hmmm could she be pregnant?? What fun that would be! I still remember our family of opossums in our basement…. Have yet to have survived that trauma..though I’m sure Josh and Bobby remember the fun of chasing them down…Hope you have a better outcome!!
Will see you next Friday! Hugs and love sent your way.
K’ just read Jaine’s comments. So Frodo could be a she- instant name change to Freddie. Tell my two sidekicks, Tybee & Bob to be nice! Just don’t let Freddie in the garden or I will have to do some serious armadillo training when I come back- love you!
Kat
Just read the blog and I am touched that you mentioned me, however, correction I am there every week and was it really necessary to mention that I am a few years older than Nora??????? Seriously, it is because of people like Nora that I come every week. She is a very strong woman and will keep putting one foot in front of the other until she can regale others with the stories of her journey.