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

To Wig or Not to Wig

Recently, I discovered my early German ancestors lived in a place once called "Wigmodia." Considering my current bald status perhaps I am being led by my roots (literally) to place a covering resembling hair atop my head. But a little history lesson first (no groans from the peanut gallery, please). Curiosity is a terrible thing to waste. Ancient Egyptian, typically men, often kept their cool with close shaven heads, However, the romantic ladies liked something to run their fingers. Coverings, created from animal fur and other natural sources, became the norm. Nothing says ‘I love you’ like slapping on plaited papyrus held in place with beeswax. Should the object of desire be wealthy, it was customary to place a dollop of animal fat on the outside of the wig. Imagine snuggling up to that on a hot night in Alexandria? Other cultures from the Assyrians to the Greeks and Romans found wigs appealing, as did Asians. Then the fad died out until the 16 th...

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....

Staying Positive

Having a healthy and positive attitude usually depends on how you handle the rain you are given.

Cancer is only part of my journey

Search This Blog