Update, July 11, 2013

As the side effects of the chemo slowly recede and Nora’s hair slowly returns, today is something of a relieved sigh. Yesterday (Wednesday) we met with Nora’s wonderful surgeon, Dr. Herrmann. “We” included our daughter, Sarah. Dr. Herrmann scheduled a mastectomy for July 29 at Hilton Head Hospital. From the first, Nora has responded to Dr. Herrmann. Our meetings with her have been emotional for Nora. Herrmann returns the emotion. Hell of a bedside manner. “You’re extended family,” Herrmann says. Herrmann is not tall. Nora is. But they hug. I get emotional too, but I am good hiding it, or so I think.

Surgeons have a bad rep: god-like, life-giving, steady-handed, arrogant SOB saviors. I know two surgeons, Herrmann, the hugger (so much more than that to Nora), and a guy who is the epitome of kindness, generosity and understanding. Also something of a genius, though limited . I have yet to meet the arrogant SOB surgeon. Maybe I am blessed.

Today we visited the chemo suite in Savannah to check Nora’s blood. Numbers were appreciably up from last week so another infusion is unlikely. One of the nurses teased Nora and said, “You’re just showing off.” Chemo humor.

I mowed our lawn Wednesday, a four hour chore. It is not really a chore, I like it. I get a beer at half time. Nora said my dad would be proud. (My dad was a lawn connoisseur. We had a hardware [feed, and hatchery] store back in Kankakee, Illinois. Dad had the best grass in the neighborhood.) He would be proud. But he would have comments.

The only reason I bring up the lawn is because of the treasures Nora found. We rent this creek home on The Ridge. Rental homes always have artifacts, a slip of paper, an ill repaired window, a light bulb that needs replacement. Nora found these four glass stones in the creek-side yard. Unlike Chekov, here are four sisters (based on color, Nora is second from left). Notice the sparkle, the hue, the sense of togetherness, yet each stands out. Bright. Bright. Do they know? Of course. I (along with my brothers-in-law) have always been slightly awed (and frightened) by these four gems.

QUESTION

The banana tree
outside my window
fears frost she
fears it will not
produce bananas.

Who is right?

Paul