The Last…

 

Tuesday is the autumnal equinox. The first day of fall is very near and the last days of summer are waning.  

My long-time primary physician, who promised that he would not retire, did just that last July. To prevent further shoulder shrugs when asked who my primary physician is I paid a visit to my new one. He would not promise that he would not retire. He just laughed when I asked him to swear on a stack of lab reports. Since he is several decades younger than I there is no need to worry about retirement. A friend and I went to the same dentist we referred to as our “seventh grade dentist.” He seemed so young being fresh out of school. I think my “new” primary physician qualifies as my “second year medical school doctor.” He couldn’t find anything wrong with me except for the obvious malady on my record. Let’s hope he will be my last primary physician.

I made it to the last park on the list. The Elmen Trailhead Park is the starting point, sort of, for the bike trail the encircles the city. One can get on the trail at any point but this appears the be the “official” beginning. This was the last of my park visitations so my summer project is complete. Yeah! That makes 83 parks visited in the last year.

Next week is chemo week once again so I’ll be visiting the Prairie Center daily for my infusions.  It all begins on Monday with blood work, a visit to the doctor and the first
infusion and ends on Friday with the last infusion. I know all will go well.  I might get a little tired but if that’s all that happens, so be it.

This past week was marked by the last days on earth for two great ladies. Glenyta Stalheim Hanson departed this life on Thursday after her struggle with cancer. I know she was comforted to have her daughter at her side. Thinking back on her career I can’t believe all the students she inspired as she taught music to youngsters in elementary school and pre-teens and high school students as her career progressed. She has made an impact on so many lives and was loved by her students and her friends. Those who do not know might easily dismiss the life work of a teacher. They are wrong. Touching young minds and hearts with the gift of music and helping them love it was Glenyta’s gift to thousands. It has been my honor to know her and work beside her since our days in college.  May she now join in singing with all those who have gone before. 

Friday the battle against cancer was ended for Ruth Bader Ginsburg. As a justice on the Supreme Court she was a beacon for those who were neglected and/or despised by the government and society. Throughout her career she argued that this phrase in the Declaration of Independence applies to everyone: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Please understand that the noun “men” as written here is used in the sense of “humanity” referring not to gender but to all people. Citizens of this country who had been considered “less” than others for a variety of reasons have made great strides in being recognized as equal citizens of this country. Ruth Bader Ginsburg helped to make that possible in many ways. She had to stand firm as she faced prejudices and she did so with every fiber of her being and fought for others in like manner. Rest in peace and rise in glory Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. You have fought the good fight.

Most of the sedum in my garden are fall bloomers. When they begin to flower I know that the last days of summer are a reality. They are beautiful. Autumn is beautiful. Nature does her very best to cloak the world with beauty as the last days of warmth and light begin to fade. May you enjoy the coming colors of fall.

"What do you mean this is not my bed!"

Thank you for reading, praying, hoping, and being.