Detached Even though I'm not trapped in my house and I do communicate in numerous ways with friends and family, I feel sort of detached. Why does it feel different than a year ago? This time last fall, Don and I were traveling for 4 weeks. We were more cut off from "home" then, than I am now... but I hardly noticed. In the past few years, I've felt twinges of guilt when I've been in and out of town, too much. Book Club generously worked around my schedule. My neighbors were incredibly patient keeping an eye on our empty house. And when I was home, I was tied up with Senior Programs and playing catch up. Now, I'm suddenly at home and where is everybody? Well, now I get it. My world has slowed down, but the lives of my local friends remain the same. Many of them travel, some are still busy with kids, some work and juggle many roles. I was too busy to realize all that my friends did. And that's probably why I'm drawn to them. Reconnecting Actually the distance has been just about right. I wouldn't want to be bombarded daily with questions and pep talks. I'm a person who enjoys alone time and since chemo I've needed that. But being more anchored to my home for a while has in some ways helped me connect and reconnect with a few folks... and dogs. This stupid thing called cancer has gotten in my way, but it has forced me to give in and accept more. I've learned to be okay with help and I appreciate every bit of kindness that has come my way. Sometimes it's just a surprise email or text. "I'm at the store. Need anything?" Or an email with a photo or joke.
And there have been gentle, no pressure offers to stop by or meet up. I'm sort of a cozy hermit, so I have to push myself a bit. Having someone "stop by" is almost novel. There's something pleasant and almost retro about it. I had to convince myself at first that I didn't have to play host or clean up or prepare for that. I'm learning. So, it's a nice balance right now. I don't have the energy for lots of socializing, but I know interaction usually boosts me! I'll try hard to remember in the future when suddenly someone I know, must slow down with an illness or a problem. It takes so little to connect these days. I'm going to be better.
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Not-So-Happy List
Cancer, Covid & Coronary... I started this complaining list/blog, in May 2016. I posted 200 gripes about my breast CANCER and then I was done. On March 13, 2020, I started venting all over again, when another disease (starting with a C) interfered with my life. This time it was the invasion of COVID and it affected every person. I ranted for a year, until I got my COVID vaccine in March 2021. CORONARY Artery Disease was the reason I restarted this blog on September 26, 2021. This time it was my hubby Don, who was dealing with a worry that started with the letter "C". Coronavirus and Cancer, Coronary Artery Disease! All are evil, but none can totally get me down... if I vent! I usually end up feeling a little more positive at the end of each post! Navigating This Mess! The most recent post is at the top, from coronary posts in 2022, back to cancer posts in 2016. To find past posts, look below the "Archives" section, to find "Categories". Archives
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