The Kindness of Strangers

The kindness of strangers is so important in my life right now as I maneuver about in a place where physical friends do not exist and a lack of a car makes life a challenge.

Last evening arout 6:45, I was walking the 1/2 mile to the FDR Home, here in Hyde Park. I've walked it a number of times, but for some reason I resumed my title of "Prima Ballerina at the Klutz Ballet."

My left foot caught the lip of the uneven asphalt and after stumbling and unsuccessfully trying to catch my balance with my hiking stick...down I went.

Sprawled over the shoulder, as I sat up to take inventory, four cars, on both sides of the road screeched to a stop.

These four strangers picked me up and stayed as I surveyed the damage.Scraped knees, hands and an aching wrist where it could have been so much worse. One man took me down to the FDR, where a documentary presentation was waiting. As we parked he handed me a small first aid kit and said 'keep it.' It enabled me to clean up, and bandage myself properly to enjoy the film.

Later, with flashlight in hand, I started walking home, but two elderly women stopped and offered a ride.

I returned home, a bit more banged up than when I left, but with a heart rejoicing at the kindnesses shown.

Comments

Pesky Prednisone

Chamomile tea warming by my bedside while a massaged glob of lavender-infused lotion disappears into my hands. Meditation music at the mere touch of a button ready to lull me into deep and restful slumber. Insert diabolical laughter here. Too bad the steroids, I am currently taking to combat the nasty Rheumatoid arthritis side effects of Keytruda, are working against my desired result. That pesky Prednisone primed to keep me upright and awake into the morning's early hours is my new norm. Aside from the above, I've tried the old standards like reading in bed, wearing an eye mask and counting sheep. The latter proved really bad idea. Prednisone also sends my appetite soaring. Visions of fluffy ovis quickly transformed into succulent grilled lamb chops before they cleared the fence. I have no need to complain. Despite retaining constant under eye bags, steroids have failed to give me an over abundance facial hair or muscles....

The Nippy Noggin Club

One thing rarely mentioned on cancer support groups or other sites is how cold one’s head and ears can become from a lack of hair. I come from a family of mostly men. At various ages all experienced follicle challenges. But even those who showed more skin than hair, never mentioned being affected by the big chill. Not me. It seems everywhere I go my nippy noggin comes along. Admittedly, when summer temperatures soar in the high 90’s feeling even a hot breeze across my naked scalp is nice. However, just the mildest of air conditioning has me scrambling for cover. Never a hat person prior to this latest challenge, I am now. A series of baseball caps and a wide-brimmed sun hat are typical daytime outdoor attire. Inside I cover up with felt and cotton beanies while singing the praises of the crafty volunteers who kindly donate their stitchery magic to my cancer care unit. Last week I was caught short. Having fallen and scraping up my hands ...

Cancer is only part of my journey

Search This Blog