Another Outstanding Day

Last Saturday was beautiful as is today. The temperature crested at 82º which is not bad, and there was a plenitude of sunshine. ¶ Part of the time today was spent on the deck, leisurely reading a bushel basket of mail from all sorts and conditions of people, those seeking help, and those rejoicing in help received, and some rejoicing because they simply are, which are the nicest ones to read.

¶ This week concluded my marathon of treatments. There were two more Gamma Knife sessions on Monday and Wednesday. On Tuesday I was present in a place offering flu shots so I got mine and on Wednesday I wished I had not. I had a reaction which was unpleasant. ¶ Thursday I started with labs at 7:45 and finally finished the day with the medicos at 2:30. The oncologist who has been telling me to limit my liquid intake announced that I was dehydrated. My sodium was way high and I needed something done. It turned out that I had a whole bag of steroids, another of saline, plus the infusion and was then shipped off for an ultrasound on my legs. Steroids are not known for promoting sleep so I nodded off for about three hours the night following the marathon day. ¶ Now, today, I’m suffering from nausea that is not being well managed by the pills in which I’ve put such trust. I did make it through choir rehearsal this morning but just barely. I’ve no idea what tomorrow will bring. ¶Last Sunday I did attend a marathon music performance at First Lutheran Church in honor of their 100th anniversary. It was literally a cast of thousands. Those “where’s Waldo?” concerts, as one friend described them, can be daunting occasions. This was well done but could have used a room twice the size so the performers wouldn’t have to appear as sardines in a can, nestled so closely to one another.

¶ Tomorrow is the 150th anniversary of the congregation that forms my parish. There will be a lot of brass and other festive music. I hope I’m up to singing and enjoying it. In addition there is an organ recital in the afternoon at the Augustana Chapel and another tomorrow evening at Our Savior’s Lutheran. Both of these will be great to hear if I feel a whole lot better than I do today. ¶ I will have to admit that some of what is going on is my own doing. The medicos encouraged me to put off chemo for a week but I wanted two weeks of recovery before the next big thing which is my 40th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood. It will be a great celebration. I hope I feel well enough to enjoy it.

¶ The garden is beginning to fade a bit. The trees have no yet begun to dress in their autumnal splendor. It’s very much “mid-season.” With two more inches of rain on Thursday evening, the greenery is rejoicing greatly. For most of the farm crops the rain is too late, but for the home gardener it is a blessing. ¶ Sophia is concerned with the hungry friends on “her” deck who are fattening up for winter. The birds are emptying one feeder twice each day. They certainly sense that it is time to bulk up for whatever pilgrimage they are about to take. The cat is quite content, as I am, to stay home. ¶ Thanks for reading, for thoughts and prayers, and for all you do for others. Pray that my current ennui passes quickly.