I live in a neighborhood of ranch-style condos with streets that curve from one block to another. It’s a popular area to walk in, and the only sidewalk runs along the outer perimeter, so we use the quiet streets as our trail. It is common to see people from the nearby neighborhoods enjoying the peaceful area. A few days ago, I strolled to the end of my driveway where I greeted a fellow walker, and though I paused to let him go ahead of me, he slowed to wait for me. We quickly covered the Continue Reading
On My Way to “Glad I Did”
Oops, I said it again. (Not to be confused with Britney Spears who did it again if you keep up with that kind of pop culture.) Three words keep flying out of my mouth these days with more frequency than my nighttime trips to the bathroom. While I can. It’s as if death is knocking at my door. It isn’t, I assure you, at least not that I know of, but age is sneaking up on me. Actually, some days, it’s more like an assault when I look in the mirror first thing in the morning and then stretch to get Continue Reading
Confessions of an Unqualified Caregiver
I am good at many things, but if I'm your caregiver, you drew the short straw. I think every double helix of nurturing DNA was distributed to my older sisters and brother with little left for me. Add to this, every illness or injury I’ve ever had could be treated with over-the-counter meds, popsicles, or an ice pack. I know. I’m lucky. But not so much for my friend Kathy, and I’m her caregiver as she recovers from major back surgery. They fused so much stuff, I fear she'll never be able to Continue Reading
Lessons Learned in a Hospital Waiting Room
I spent nine hours in a surgical waiting room today and if that's not a lesson in perspective, nothing is. A microcosm of American culture. Young, old, different races and ethnicities, rich, poor and everything in between. This waiting room had five TVs, each turned to a different network, as if to oblige each party. Me? I sat in a quiet corner and observed. That's what I do. Along with my book, IPad, and knitting, but no need for TV with such interesting characters. I understood the woman in Continue Reading