In the Midst of a Year

I know it is odd. No one is likely to read the blog any longer, but me. And it is a wonderful way to talk to myself. I'm so glad that I was advised to keep that blog...looking back at the weekly diary is a terrific way to remind myself of the little victories, the difficult challenges, and the immense pleasure that I took in overcoming adversity.

I'm writing today, simply because it is a celebration. I had a glass of really cold water on a business trip this week, and waited for my throat to clench up. Apparently I've simply had water in the past year, not really cold water...and my body was ready for a reaction, even though it has been nearly 12 months since I suffered one of those reactions to cold.

The loss of a compatriot, Nancy Curran, has been very difficult for me this past month. Nancy was a true champion, a cancer survivor for 17 years, and a lovely person who never once mentioned her own challenge. She always asked about others, which was particularly difficult given the loss of her two sons. How could one talk about an upcoming wedding without cringing? Never, though, did she act as though her own trials were that important. Those faced by others were primary to her, her issues were way below secondary.

In another couple of years, I'll wish that I'd gone on and on with these posts. Now, I simply want anyone reading this to know that I feel better every day. I cannot miss the giggles of life, whether that's a cute new clinic manager learning her way around malpractice insurance, or a delightful weekend with the Moral Compass men in Central Oregon. Driving a green, or learning that National car rental only has a luxury vehicle left, and "do I mind" if I drive that? Life really is GOOD...as we head to Lizzie's wedding and the great fun of the summer, my only regret is that I pushed too many people to their limits in the past year.

Now, I listen more, and try my best to pay close attention to others, and I go out of my way to sit still. To call friends. To make sure that email is answered and I know where people are. Oddly enough, I can tell you where Carrie Ellen, Judy, Steve, Billy, Nate, Lizzy, Vickie and even Jon are, nearly every day within every week. Keeping in touch is more than simply asking...it is about paying attention and learning from each other.

More, later....because I love looking back at these notes and recognizing the accomplishments of the past two years.