Photography Thinks
So, when you go to the Lynn Cancer Center, you have many options. You can walk in or roll in. Lined up at the door and ready to use are chairs for those too weak to get in by themselves. Every time I leave after seeing my doctor or leaving a few tubes of blood, I turn those assembled in the waiting room and, after getting, attention, give a blessing: “Do as best as you can.”
Sometimes driving requires so much attention that you miss what is going on around you.
Having flowers around stimulates the creative cords in my brain. How restful and mindful. No time to consider what wasn’t or could have been. Negativity interruptus.
While I cannot say I am healed from a temporary body failure, I can say I could do it again and would. Staying alive. Staying alive. No first aid reports here. Let’s just say it ain’t over.
When the hot, humid, uncertain weather forces indoor activities, cook, watch a movi, and make a still life of the ingredients first. Broccoli Rabe has a personality of its own. So do garlic, onions, fresh corn and a legacy tomato.
So, as we age, so does our back, maybe faster than our brains. Pain, pain, pain from every step. Stairs always a challenge. Getting up. Sitting down. X-rays. Rolling over in bed. Putting on pants. Wiping my ass.
CAT Scans. MRIs (a real joy for those of us with claustrophobia). How about an epidural? And there is always a surgical option. Want some pills. No, I drink for pain relief.
Every step of the way, Sharon sat next to me. It was as if she was the patient, asking questions, feeling the pain, sharing my emotions. Even though she has her own problems, nothing would make her happier than knowing I wasn’t as disabled as I am.
Dr. Brett Schlifka informed her, as if she was the patient. And, she did her own independent research. Great teammate.Great doctor. Smart. Caring. Talented. Likes his patients.
I learned what I could learn, rejecting the shots and surgery, accepting the suggestion to do physical therapy. Rejecting the opioids; living with the pain. So far, so good. Call me back, Brett said the other day. “Call when you need me.”
A back is a back. I have spinal stenosis. Have to be careful. Don’t fall. Maintain my posture. Respect my limitations. The only good thing about living in FL is the pool. And my life, not worth living without Sharon.
Mystery woman is a mystery to the photographer. “Carravaggistis in literature use psychological fiction (also psychological realism); theirs is a narrative genre that emphasizes interior characterization and motivation to explore the spiritual, emotional, and mental lives of the characters….” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caravaggisti
Bruce Harden died. Had I ever met him, I would have asked me to teach me how to see. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/10/arts/brice-marden-dead.html.
Beware of the Frog
A profile in courage and a will to live and enjoy whatever he has ahead. My old friend Howard Kane suffers all illness with dignity and class. He will be mortal as long as possible; then he will be a blessed memory. Right now, he be on his feet, wondering what to do next. Were I the judge, I would grant him all the time he can use. I say travel on and report back.
I don’t own a dog and never will. Too much responsibility. I know it can be helpful in lowering stress, but it’s too much responsibility. So, I pet my neighbor’s dog and sometimes dogs I see hanging out, especially if they look friendly.