Quote of the Day: “He that wrestles with us strengthens our nerves and sharpens our skills. Our antagonist is our helper.” Edmund Burke
Exercise Log: Sue O., Sue B., Patti and I walked from Rattlesnake Gulch to Log Haven. 5.04 miles (+.21) The water is really starting to move in Millcreek Canyon. I realized that my goal was to walk 5.10 miles each day and some days I figured 5.01 so I’m probably off a little but oh, well. Chemo brain is real. It’s just so hard to process everything while you have these chemicals in your body. I hate how it makes my heart feel too- physically, I mean. It feels exhausted.
Yesterday, Laurie and Allen Hymas brought dinner to us. It was Clam Chowder, salad, bread and cookies. It tasted so good- I loved the small chunks of potatoes. We so enjoyed visiting with them and that’s one of the things I value the most with this illness- it just seems like I’m connecting with people on a deeper level. Maybe that’s because people have been so generous in reaching out to me and my family that we feel so valued. Allen is a teacher at Skyline and Laurie I got to know as our boys, Carson and Taylor, become great friends in high school. Laurie and I worked together on the football boosters and I was so impressed with how competent she is in every area. Taylor and Carson are both serving Guatemala City missions- Carson is South and Taylor is Central. We love that they got called to the same country. Later today, a former student, who graduated last year, Alex, called me to see how I was doing. I thought that was so kind- I think that takes a lot of courage but shows what kind of person Alex is- she is compassionate and amazing!
I am listening to a book on tape and one of the comments made today said that “People will be judged by how much suffering they alleviate for others on this earth.” That really struck me because it dawned on me that is what others are doing for me, helping to alleviate my suffering. The kind words, cookies, dinners, notes, gifts, phone calls, e-mails all go under suffering alleviation. I know I am so behind on my tally and there is so much more that I can do to alleviate the suffering in the world. I have a hard time watching the news or programs with people suffering. It’s just too much. Maybe it’s because I don’t feel well enough to do anything about it or maybe because it just feels like too much for one person to have to experience at this time. When we get away from the suffering and everything seems so great, we forget that most of the world lives without enough to eat, without clean water or under abusive conditions. It’s daunting to think of but I do believe we will be judged by that barometer.
Alex arrives home in 1 week from Denmark. Here is a recent picture of him at the Fjords in Norway!
Joanie: It is so wonderful that you have so many friends helping you and supporting you through this “stage” in your life. That was something that I didn’t have here…just my husband, hard not having friends and family near by when you are going through chemo. How wonderful that so many people love you & think of you & bestow you with wonderful dinners, desserts and of course companionship.
Yes, chemo brain is real…but that will fade away too once you are done with it….
Hopefully you are having some warm weather in Salt Lake….
Love to you,
Shelley
Joanie,
I have been keeping up on your blog. You’re almost there. I know the last part is the tough part, but you can manage the last couple of hills. Keep moving forward and you will get there regardless of the speed. It is sooo nice to be done with school. We had an Olympic event at Sugarhouse park this morning with the Olympic Alumini from Utah. They signed autographs and mingled with the runners at the end of the race (American Lung Association). Beautiful morning and perfect temp for the run…looked like fun! I miss the races. It’s been a long time since I’ve run any, it would be fun to do it again.
Graduation went well. This was probably the best behaved graduating class we have ever had. But, then, the 10:00 am time may have had something to do with it. Check-out went smoothly yesterday, and the luncheon was quick. But, Sam Arishita came — he walked in unassisted! He also offered some brief comments and, in typical Sam fashion, was totally positive. I was able to sit by him and his wife and daughter during the lunch but, was only able to visit for a short time because everyone else needed to greet him and shake his hand. It was great!
You are both inspiring. Thanks for offering some insights not only to your treatment, but also of your feelings. I know this is pretty rough, but you’ve got lots of personal support and support from others who may not offer it so personally – but we have you in mind. Live strong – great motto. I’m thinking of you.
Matt