Good evening once again from my comfortable and exquisite suite at the Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls. Thank you for joining me.
It’s been a busy day again. The “ologists” all swarmed in the early hours and after little discussion, said “Out with him, I say out. After Chemotherapy this afternoon, begone, away with thee.” Except for one wee voice which squeaked out, “Nay, he stayeth.” And the others stared down at the wee Nephrologist and saith unto her, “Speak up, why say ye Nay?” And the Nephrologist squeaked forth, “His sodium did elevate itself too rapidly. We must question why did this occur. They finally fell in defeat and saith “Nay, he stayeth. Amen.”
Thus it was proclaimed and thus recanted. The visitors came forth in the accustomed healing multitudes for which the afflicted rejoiced in their arrival, had his spirits uplifted and gave thanks.
Now the expected severe thunderstorm rages outside this safe window and I peacefully reflect on the day. Chemo three and last went fine. I’m continually warned that I haven’t begun to crash so don’t think it is going to be a piece of cake. It will not be as lovely as that ginormous piece of carrot cake you just consumed, or the delicious young Colorado peaches which appeared with a wonderful guest this afternoon. Darn!
Now I’ll have to think about being home alone when I really feel punk and painfully remember the friends around me as I began this pilgrimage. I hope they continue their rounds while I’m home. I hope….
My day attendant Tim, who was new to me today, came in a quiet time and asked shyly, “How did you make so many friends.” “Well, Tim, when you’ve lived in one place for ever, taught half the kids for years, preached at another bunch for who knows how long, and been involved in volunteer programs in a variety of settings, it just happens. Then one friend comes to visit and another at the same time, and they find they know one another, and a third gets involved in the mix and pretty soon you have a wild party in your room with you in the middle just eating it up.” The sheer joy of friendship performing it’s healing power, upsetting the rest of the hospital (not really) with whatever is going on in there, probably suspecting someone slipped in a little joy juice to lubricate the proceedings, (which they hadn’t), and Tim began to understand. Friendship takes work but it certainly brings rewards.
Now another magic happens. For years your friends depart with “Call me if you need anything.” And you don’t because you are fiercely independent and afraid to show any weakness and you secretly want to say “I did it all by myself.” Then you change your tune and say, “I wonder if you could help….” And all of a sudden you have more help and helpful suggestion than you ever could use. Then you learn you can say, “ I didn’t do it myself but my friends were very kind and really helped out.“ Which is a far better and rewarding thing to say than the other.
And so another day has passed its ending with the blessing of God’s rain upon the un-parched ground. God has been very good in providing moisture all summer. I’ve not watered the lawn all summer. Gave a few flowers in pots a drink once in a while and just enjoyed the beauty and all the money I’ve saved by not spending it on the lawn, which is such a waste. A good day it was and I give all of you and my good God thanks for it.
We’ll see where tomorrow brings us along this pilgrimage. Ubuntu.
Peace. Good night.
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