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

Gone with the Wind or How Cancer stole my Hair, but not my Resolve

June 2016 April 2018 May 2018 In 2016, I underwent a full hysterectomy and was assured the small cancerous tumor on my uterus had be eradicated without any further treatment like radiation or chemo. Grateful for the fantastic outcome, I was especially delighted at not having to lose my hair. Sure, to avoid regular shaving of underarm and leg hair sounded terrific. But to bid adios to my silver mane was a step, I didn’t want to consider. Blessed with terrific, thick and wavy follicles since childhood, many had complimented me as it changed from its original platinum blonde through the brunette years to the arrival of grey strands that first appeared in my early 30s. Even then, the new color ringed my face, causing people to think it was highlights. My hairdresser told me to tell everyone, that he and not Mother Nature, was responsible. But by 2018, things drastically changed. A stage 4 tumor now invaded my body. Requiring both ...

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....

Who Wants to be a Billionaire?

Just invent a good-tasting oral liquid that people have to drink before taking contrast dye for a CT scan. Today was my fourth experience. Each of them have featured "cocktails" of varying tastes that all ultimately taste like boiled socks. Truthfully, I've never tasted boiled sock water, but this glop is what I imagine it is made from. BTW should you invent the sure-fire moneymaker, just remember to send me checks for being an inspiration.

Cancer is only part of my journey

Search This Blog